Last week, I had the pleasure of taking part in Dr. Licopoli’s first Superintendent’s Symposium. The meeting took place on Tuesday, October 22^nd in the PHS Library, with a panel of eight high school students: Arianna Hurtado (9), Brianna Moran (9), Jalyn Smith (9), Davonte Woodton (10), Rebecca Au (10), Jacobi Clarke (12), Paige Hill (12), and Anthony Lewis (12,) several of whom are directly involved in student government as class officers. Senior Class President Afua Yeboah served as moderator. Mr. Hutchinson and a few Board of Education Members were in attendance as well.

The first topic up for debate was the location for June 2014 Graduation. Four students took the stance that graduation should be held outside on the parade field, in keeping with tradition, and the other four decided to defend their opinion that it should take place at the Hudson Valley Paramount Theater downtown, in spirit of establishing a new tradition. The 2013 Graduation was held at the Paramount for security reasons.  Each team had seven minutes to state their piece and was given another seven minutes to ask questions. The symposium concluded with a ten minute discussion period, in which the Superintendent was able to ask for clarification and encourage a resolution.

By the end of the meeting, Dr. Licopoli was very pleased with the way it went, and said he would bring what we had discussed to the board member’s attention in time for them to declare a final decision.  Senior Jacobi Clarke commented:

“Through the use of logic, reasoning and a good old debate it was great seeing everyone being able to work together and respectfully giving their own opinions and receiving others’. I think we did (get to an agreement) and I hope he (Dr. Licopoli) takes it under advisement.”

Hopefully these symposiums will continue for the months to come. It has been a great step towards improving the communication between the students and administration.

Be sure to watch the symposium in its entirety on the local public access channel 77, compliments of Mr. Brown and the TV and Video Club.