Future Leaders Elementary

P.S. 74 | Creating Opportunities for Innovative Leaders

STRONGER TOGETHER

2025 Leadership Day

P.S. 74 Celebrates 15 Years of Student-Led Leadership

by Ilya Grin Recanatini

Read the full bulletin about the event

Leadership Day Bulletin

Standing confidently at the podium, fifth grader Nevaeh Kamara took a deep breath and scanned the packed auditorium. As Student Council President, she was no stranger to public speaking, but this moment was different. This was her final Leadership Day at P.S. 74 Future Leaders Elementary School. In a few short weeks, she would graduate and move on to junior high. But as she opened the 15th annual celebration of student leadership with poise and purpose, it was clear that Nevaeh, like so many before her, would carry the habits of leadership far beyond these hallways.

Fifth grader Nevaeh Kamara stands confidently at the podium, ready to lead the celebration at PS 74’s 15th annual Leadership Day.

2025 Leadership Day marked a major milestone: fifteen years since the founding of P.S. 74, a Lighthouse-certified school rooted in Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective Kids. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together”, spotlighted Habit 6: Synergy, emphasizing the power of collaboration, student voice, and a shared vision.

A student from Future Leaders Elementary School stands confidently holding a clipboard, posing in a cafeteria setting decorated with a banner celebrating the school. The table behind him is filled with various food options.
Abdulrahman, one of student-journalists is ready to welcome guests to breakfast, and take some photographs to document the event.

The day began with a welcome breakfast in the school cafeteria, where guests were greeted by student ambassadors and staff. An energetic African dance performance followed, setting an upbeat tone for the day ahead. The community then gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly revitalized Welcome Center, a moment that symbolized the school’s commitment to hospitality and inclusion.

Principal Mazzeo and assistant principal La Ruffa cutting a ribbon during the ceremony in front of a colorful mural that says 'Welcome', with an audience watching.
Principal Susan Mazzeo and assistant principal Jennifer La Ruffa at the ribbon-cutting ceremony at PS 74’s newly revitalized Welcome Center, symbolizing community and inclusion

While the Welcome Center had always existed, it was recently reimagined as a true point of pride. Now, as students and families enter the building, they are greeted by a vibrant, student-painted mural depicting a lighthouse and a sunrise, familiar symbols from the school’s logo. The lighthouse’s rainbow-colored rays reflect the diversity of student voices, while bold letters spell out “Welcome”, capturing the spirit of warmth that defines P.S. 74’s culture.

Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the campus auditorium at PS 16 for the main assembly. Student leaders like Nevaeh and Vice President Morium Taskin served as emcees, guiding the audience through a program that honored the past, celebrated the present, and looked toward the future.

Audience members engaging and smiling during the 2025 Leadership Day assembly at P.S. 74, showcasing a diverse group of parents, students, and faculty.
Dr. Nicole Reid Christopher, the founder who established the school in 2010, watched with heartfelt emotion as students, staff, and alumni celebrated her enduring legacy

A touching keynote from Isabel Simmons, one of P.S. 74’s founding teachers, reflected on the school’s earliest days. “We turned a group of strangers into a team and, eventually, a family,” she recalled. Sitting in the audience was Dr. Nicole Reid Christopher, the visionary who launched the school in 2010. She looked on with emotion as her legacy was honored by students, staff, and alumni alike.

That legacy was echoed by returning alum Brayan Ramos Vicente, now a third-year engineering student at The Cooper Union. “Without the 7 Habits, I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” he shared, crediting the school’s leadership framework for preparing him to meet life’s academic and personal challenges.

Returning alum Brayan Ramos Vicente is giving his speech.
Returning alum Brayan Ramos Vicente delivered a speech on how the “7 Habits of Highly Successful Kids” laid the foundation for his success

Throughout the day, visitors toured classrooms and attended student-led workshops demonstrating how the 7 Habits shape learning and behavior across the school. From leading reading circles to organizing school-wide initiatives, students showed how leadership is woven into their daily routines.

Assistant Principal Jennifer La Ruffa and newly appointed Principal Susan Mazzeo both emphasized that leadership at P.S. 74 is not confined to special events. “Future leaders aren’t born, they’re made,” Mazzeo said, thanking the school’s staff and families for cultivating a culture where leadership is lived, not taught.

The event closed with a student leader panel in the cafeteria, where students fielded questions from guests and reflected on what leadership means to them. “Leadership is using your voice to help others,” said fourth-grader Arnisha Biswas. “It means doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.”

Belinda Fida, the newly appointed Lighthouse Coordinator, reminded everyone that leadership extends beyond school walls. “We are a Lighthouse school not because we’re perfect, but because we strive to be a light for others.”

Isabel Simmons and Elizabeth Mullan stand before the audience, leading them in the traditional Friday song, evoking memories of their time teaching at P.S. 74
Isabel Simmons and Elizabeth McMullan led the audience in the traditional Friday song, reminiscing about their days teaching at P.S. 74

As the fifth-grade leaders performed the school’s traditional Friday Song and guests offered hugs and handshakes, the spirit of the day lingered. It was a testament to the school’s enduring mission.

A group of 5th grade students stand on stage, performing "This Is Us," a song inspired by the melody of "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman.
5th grade students perform “This Is Us,” to the tune of “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman.

“Our best days are still ahead,” Fida said. “And we will get there – stronger together.”

Ms. Belinda Fida, a new lighthouse coordinatior is giving her speech on stage.
Ms. Belinda Fida, the new Lighthouse Coordinator, delivers an inspiring speech on stage: “Our best days are still ahead. And we will get there – stronger together”.