Bethpage Students Bring Awareness to Others
BHS Student Civic Members Present at Adelphi Human Rights Conference

Members of the Bethpage High School Student Civic Association, accompanied by advisor and teacher Mrs. Jackie Jill-Rito, recently participated in the 23rd Annual Human Rights Awareness Conference held at Adelphi University. Seniors co-conducted three back-to-back presentations alongside representatives from the non-profit organization Love146, focusing on abuses such as human trafficking and exploitation. Juniors attended other sessions.

The students were well prepared after weeks of after-school meetings during which they researched the issue of trafficking and worked together on their presentation. They explained what trafficking is and who it affects, citing statistics and facts through a PowerPoint presentation. Ms. Sue Lingenfelter of Love146 then showed a moving video and described her group’s efforts to end child slavery and help survivors move forward with their lives.

Both the students and the Love 146 representatives provided realistic, poignant accounts of the trafficking, slavery and exploitation crisis that is present in today’s world. They also pointed out that there are ways to help, through fundraisers, donations, and other deeds that support organizations such as Love146 as they take action and save lives. 

The Human Rights Awareness Conference is hosted by Adelphi University’s Ruth S. Ammon School of Education in collaboration with the Nassau County Human Rights Commission and several organizations. Student Civic has attended and presented at this event for the past five years, each time addressing a different topic. The Bethpage School District commends its 2009 presenters; Steve Coyle, Kusum Dhansanghani, Matina Douzenas, T.J. Hynes, Marica Jurlina, and Bhavya Shah, along with Mrs. Jill-Rito, for helping to make a difference by reaching others.

Photo: Karina Stabile, Syntax Communication