MLK Day Summit encourages youth to trust

Sullivan 180 hosts 2nd annual event for SC students

By Mio Moser | Manor Ink

Hurleyville, NY – The second annual Martin Luther King Day Youth Summit was, for many, a much needed event that created friendships, increased self-trust, and provided resources and opportunities for further development.

Held on Friday, Jan. 13, at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre, the event saw more than 100 young people participate from all across Sullivan County. Those attending were treated to a day’s worth of activities designed to help them be more open about their problems, build new relationships and enhance their self confidence.

The event’s main sponsor, Sullivan 180, has a clear message. “Many of us know that we’re currently county number 61, the unhealthiest county in New York State,” Amanda Langseder, managing director of Sullivan 180, said. Sullivan 180’s mission is to turn that around, moving the county to near the top.

The event also had other significant partners, all willing to contribute to the common goal of better countywide health. Cornell Cooperative Extension, SALT, SNAP-Ed, Maternal Infant Services, SUNY Sullivan and other organizations all contributed to the day’s event. “I think this is a really beautiful event. A lot of places don’t get this kind of support,” Jasmine Acevedo, a 16-year-old student at Fallsburg High School said, referring to all the opportunities for support provided at the event.

Developing relationships and trust

Shortly after their arrival, students were split up into groups, each group consisting of students from a mix of different districts.

“I see them becoming stronger individuals. I think this will help them step outside their comfort zone, especially because right now they’re all at different tables without the friends they came with,” said Amanda Depow, a teacher at the Monticello Alternative High School on St. John’s Street. “They struggle with trusting others they don’t know. So this is something that forces them to team-build, and build trust immediately. I think that will help them grow.”

The students were provided with lunch and then, after initial introductions, came the event’s keynote speaker, Duncan Kirkwood. Kirkwood delivered a clear message: trust yourself, be the best version of yourself, never give up and always believe that you can do it. His presentation had a profound impact on nearly everyone who attended.

“He delivered today a really needed message about resilience,” Langseder said. “I could see that it was really hitting hard on some of my students,” added Depow.

A message from Dr. King

After lunch, students watched segments of Martin Luther King’s “Blueprint for Life” speech. The speech formed the basis for the group activities that followed. After hearing about the importance of “knowing you are somebody,” “be determined to achieve excellence,” and “commit to beauty, love and justice,” students wrote journal entries answering questions prompted by the key points in the speech.

After several more group and team-building activities, the event slowly began to conclude. Ambassadors from the event’s many sponsors took turns presenting “doors of opportunities” that their respective agencies offered for students. As a final token, all participants received gift bags which included a sweater and various other items.