AMHS Students learn to be aware and appreciate human differences at weekend event
by Joel Willis

On November 17-18th, Amityville High School held its 7th annual Awareness Weekend. The event marked the second part of Awareness Weekend, which is held twice throughout the school year—in the spring and fall.

The two-day event, which was coordinated by Special Education teacher Jason McGowan, featured keynote speaker Peter Hawkins, a paraplegic, and motivational speakers Sergio Argueta, a former gang member now a member of S.T.R.O.N.G., Inc., and Chris Memoli, who spoke about overcoming obstacles.

Approximately 120 very excited students in grades 10-12, and 11 supervising teachers took part in the 2-day sleepover. Each wore a colorful string necklace called “warm fuzzies” to which colorful strings are added.

“They symbolize hugs,” said McGowan. “They represent comfort and love and the objective is to fill up the string and continue to spread the love throughout the school year.”

Each time a student gives someone a string, they also give and receive a hug and a string from that person, said McGowan.

Describing what the event means to her, senior Rebecca Campbell, said “this event brings kids from various backgrounds and different perspectives, who may have never spoken to each other before, together in the spirit of understanding.”

Jalayena Mcgregor, a 10th grader agrees. “Awareness Weekend teaches kids to expand their minds in society, and to interact with one another on all levels,” she said.

Argueta brought the highly charged atmosphere to a stand still as he passionately spoke to students and teachers about his life as a former gang member and why he decided to turn his life around and go to college. After the thought-provoking and moving speech, that brought some students to tears, many students sought out Sergio and shook his hand.

Sergio has been spreading the message of love and hope, while speaking at several different schools throughout Long Island for the last six years.

Afterwards students were ushered off into groups where they shared their feelings about Sergio’s message and other issues.

“It was a deep experience,” said junior, Jeffrey Bettis.

Sophomore, Asim Henry agreed and senior Jessica Berry called her experience motivating.

While the event includes a lot of work and thought and discussion, there is also time for fun and friendship as the gymnasium was opened for games and relaxation.

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