On March 18, members of the Rocky Point High School Human Rights Club traveled to Iona University to participate in the annual Human Rights Institute hosted by the Human Rights and Holocaust Education Center. 

Each year, Rocky Point High School is invited to attend the institute, which brings together students from 43 high schools across New York state. The event provides an opportunity for students to connect with their peers while exploring important local and global human rights issues. Throughout the day, participants attended workshops, engaged in meaningful discussions and collaborated on action plans aimed at promoting positive change in their communities and beyond. 

This year’s institute also featured a keynote address from Legislator David Imamura and a presentation by Holocaust survivor Alfred Schoenfeld, offering students powerful perspectives on leadership, advocacy and the importance of standing up for human rights. 

During the event, seniors Camila Figueroa and Ava Jimenez led their own workshop titled “Climate Migration and Human Rights in the Global South.” Their presentation explored how climate change is impacting vulnerable communities around the world, highlighting how increasing droughts, floods and severe storms are displacing populations and contributing to human rights challenges. 

Rocky Point High School is also proud to share that senior Camila Figueroa was selected as a recipient of the Andy Cahn Student Community Service Award from the Human Rights and Holocaust Education Center. The award is presented annually to two students who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to community service, ethical leadership and advocacy for human rights. 

Students were accompanied on the trip by Human Rights Club adviser Mrs. Lizabeth Calo and Mrs. Margaret Messinetti.