The Town of Islip Unity Council recently organized a four-session Unity Ambassador program for the high schools within the township, with the goal of heightening awareness of biases while reducing incidences of bullying and bias.

On Nov. 13, East Islip High School was honored to present the kickoff event, hosting multiple school districts, guest speakers, district leaders, administrators and students. Students heard from a range of special guest speakers – including Holocaust survivor Edith Gross, Deputy Vanessa Overland from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office HEAT Unit, Detective James Mosby from the Suffolk County Police Department Hate Crimes Bureau and Alisty Keneth of Human Being 101 – who shared their personal stories of overcoming prejudice and how these speakers now use their voices to promote a more inclusive environment.
 
“We are very excited to be a part of bringing together the youth of the Town of Islip once again to foster lifelong relationships across our school communities and develop our plans of action to create a sense of unity throughout our township,” East Islip Director of Humanities Korin Scarles said.