John Jay Students Named to Ball’s Student Council

CROSS RIVER, N.Y. – Two John Jay High School juniors have been invited to participate in New York State Sen. Greg Ball’s Student Advisory Council as a result of their leadership and ethics.

Sydney Glenn and Daniel Fulop were named to the council after filling out an Outstanding Student Youth Award application. The students were required to write an essay pertaining to ethics and leadership. One to two students were selected from participating high schools, according to the school district.

The council meets once a month to discuss various school programs. Glenn and Fulop meet with approximately a dozen other students from around the state to share ideas and integrate programs, the district said. The meetings take place at the state district attorney's office in Brewster and will continue throughout the 2012-13 school year.

Ball said he started the council to create more student involvement with their local communities and boost their interest in politics.

“When I was a student I so wanted to get involved but felt my elected officials were unapproachable,” Ball said. “I really wanted to change that perception once elected and it’s so important that we encourage our youth to get active and involved in our communities. Even more exciting is all the great ideas that they generate. These (students) are impressive future leaders.”

Glenn and Fulop each have unique interests and backgrounds.

Fulop is the vice speaker of Campus Congress, of which he's been a member since the 10th grade. He is also a member of the Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and is the only student member of Spirit Builders, an organization that builds ramps and other structures for people in need, the district said. He recently built a 90-foot-long wheelchair ramp that traversed a stream. During the summer, he takes part in the Appalachian Service Project, providing community service to people in that region. Also a varsity swimmer and varsity tennis player, Fulop hopes to enter a pre-med program after graduation, the district said.

Glenn, a scholar athlete, is a member of the varsity volleyball team and is captain of the varsity basketball team, where she was named to the All-League team, the district said. She also volunteers her time coaching recreational basketball and led her team to the playoffs this year. She participates in the Young Scholars Architectural Program and hopes to study architecture and/or engineering in college, the district said.

Ball said he appreciates the input that students such as Glenn and Fulop provide in their roles as Student Advisory Council members.

“Whether it’s working with them to craft legislation taking on bullying in schools, or bringing them up for a mock session in Albany, it’s a real pleasure working with them,” Ball said.

 

Click here to follow Daily Voice Lewisboro and receive free news updates.