The Jr.-Sr. High School Student Council facilitated a dialogue with local politicians and created a platform for meaningful conversations about town, county and state issues during Law Day. In attendance were guests Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig, Suffolk County Legislator James F. Mazzarella, Southampton Town Deputy Supervisor John Ortiz, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, and Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine. 

Student Council representatives asked guests their thoughts on issues about air, sewage, and water quality and sustainable solutions; allocated funding for the opioid crisis; safe housing and housing codes; Smith Point Marina upgrades and environmental sensitivity and the bridge project; communication and collaboration between the Town of Southampton and residents; and piercing the tax cap at the county level.  

Law Day was initiated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as a national dedication to the fundamental principles of government under law, and in 1961, May 1 was designated by Congress as Law Day.Eastport-South Manor Social Studies Director Dr. Stephen Posselt said Law Day is an opportunity for students to practice civic responsibility and to act on issues that are important to them and the community. 

Legislator Mazzarella told the students that they are “in the driver’s seat” and “to take advantage of what is in front of you.” Town Supervisor Panico congratulated the students on their complex and intelligent questions and noted that “education is the key” to making changes on the government level. 

The student leaders then escorted the guests to the board of education meeting room, where they were served a prepared breakfast and had additional opportunities to continue conversations about the issues discussed or to ask new questions. 

 
Click here to view the Student Council Addresses Issues During Law Day slideshow.

Date Added: 4/29/2025