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Southampton students describe leadership gains from HUGS weekend; district lauds community support
Summary
Students and staff from Southampton presented on the HUGS Long Island Institute weekend, saying 38 students attended, 14 received scholarships funded by local groups contributing more than $2,500, and participants described gains in leadership, inclusion and mental-health strategies.
Members of the Southampton Union Free School District heard testimony Wednesday from students and staff who attended the HUGS (Human Understanding and Growth Services) Long Island Institute weekend, a leadership and inclusion program district presenters said was the largest Southampton delegation to date.
Program organizers told the Board that 38 Southampton students attended this year and that student leaders from the district were selected for prominent roles at the conference. The presenters said community organizations Heart of the Hamptons and Hampton’s community outreach provided scholarships for 14 students, contributing “more than $2,500” to help cover costs.
"Words cannot express how powerful HUGS has been for me," said Davis, a Southampton High School student who spoke during the presentation. "I learned how I can use music to uplift others and change the energy of a room." Kira, another student, described the trip as “one of the top five experiences” of her life and said the program taught students to “amplify your voice to create change.”
Mr. D. Roza, one of the staff presenters, described the program’s goals as fostering empathy, inclusion, leadership and personal growth. He and co-organizer Miss Lopez credited student leaders with driving much of the weekend’s impact, and identified guest speakers and performers who led workshops on mindfulness and resilience.
Organizers highlighted several measures of participation: Southampton sent 38 students to the weekend, the largest delegation from any district that week; seven of 14 student leaders selected across Long Island were from Southampton; and students reported bringing new skills and confidence back to their schools.
The board praised the students’ presentations and thanked staff and community donors for supporting participation. The session closed with a short question-and-answer exchange and board expressions of appreciation for the students’ willingness to speak publicly about their experiences.
The board did not take formal action on the HUGS program during the meeting; organizers and student participants requested continued support for the year-round work that makes the weekend possible.
