By Mr. Grin Recanatini

March 18, 2026

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — On the morning of Thursday, March 12, the P.S. 16 auditorium was transformed into a vibrant forum of democratic expression as it graciously hosted the students, staff, and families of Future Leaders Elementary School (P.S. 74). The P.S. 74 community extends its deep gratitude to P.S. 16 for accommodating the gathered crowd. Amid the flashing of cameras and the elated, proud faces of parents, young students stepped up to the microphone not just as learners, but as impassioned advocates for their community.

The inaugural “Soapbox Showcase and Community Superheroes” assembly, held in partnership with the Civics for All initiative and the Mikva Challenge, was a resounding success. Spearheaded by dedicated civics teacher Ms. Anselmo—who worked tirelessly to organize the event, plan the logistics, and help students hone their speeches—the morning proved that one does not need a high school diploma to possess a profound understanding of civic duty. Throughout the two-hour event, the auditorium echoed with resounding applause and cheers as peers rallied behind the presenters and beloved faculty members.

Setting the tone for the morning, School President Namira Bushra welcomed the crowd with remarkable poise. “Today we celebrate leadership, student voice, and community partnership,” she declared, emphasizing the bravery required to stand before an audience and demand change.

The philosophical heart of the morning was delivered by Assistant Principal Jennifer La Ruffa, who took to the stage to remind the young audience of their inherent power.

“There is nothing more influential in a school or a community than the voice of its students. Your voice creates movement. Your voice shifts conversations. Your voice brings ideas to life,” Ms. La Ruffa said, her words echoing across the silent, attentive auditorium. “Student voice is about standing tall and saying: This is our school. This is our community. This is our world.”

And speak up, they did. Demonstrating the wide variety of topics that concern the future leaders at FLES, the student presenters delivered meticulously researched and deeply felt arguments on a multifaceted array of local and global issues, ranging from the emotional toll of bullying, addressed by Phillipa Owusu, to the health and economic dangers of smoking, powerfully discussed by Vice President Jannatul Naima.

Tackling the pervasive issue of cyberbullying, Phillipa Owusu reminded the audience that combating cruelty requires a collective effort from parents, teachers, and neighbors. “When families, schools, and our community all work together, bullying gets smaller—and kindness grows bigger,” she declared.

Layla, addressing environmental conservation, eloquently broke down the complexities of New York City’s 2024 Urban Forest Plan. “Trees may look quiet and still, but they are actually heroes for our planet,” she argued, reminding the audience that deforestation is not just a distant crisis, but a local one.

The welfare of the city’s most vulnerable creatures was championed by Aleanny, who cited alarming ASPCA statistics noting that over 80 percent of reported animal cruelty cases in New York City involve dogs. “Animals cannot use words to ask for help,” she reminded the audience. “They need us to protect them.”

A united front for public health: Vice President Jannatul Naima and fourth-grade leader Mohammed Anas share the stage to deliver a powerful two-part presentation on the severe health risks and economic costs of smoking.

Public health took the spotlight as multiple students addressed the dangers of smoking. Vice President Jannatul Naima shared a touching personal story about her grandfather’s illness while citing stark New York State healthcare costs to argue that the habit is an expensive disadvantage to human life. Fourth-grade leader Mohammed Anas built on this by noting the detrimental effects of nicotine on brain development, actively advocating for student-led anti-smoking campaigns for middle and high school students.

Meanwhile, fifth-grader Taylor Douglas tackled the everyday plague of littering, challenging the community to organize local clean-ups and take collective responsibility for their sidewalks to prevent animals from mistaking plastic for food.

The student speeches also waded into systemic socioeconomic issues. Third-grade speaker Zahira Zapata Martinez made a compelling case for affordable higher education. While praising the accessibility of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, she astutely pointed out the hidden costs of college, such as transportation and textbooks. “Education should not only be for people who can afford it,” she argued passionately. “When education is possible for all, everyone wins.”

The event was not strictly limited to student voices. The crowd erupted into cheers for their beloved third-grade teacher, Mrs. Pero, who delivered a highly anticipated speech on the foundational value of respect. Drawing laughs and nods of agreement, she compared the monthly deep-clean of Room 306 to “training for the broom Olympics,” using the metaphor to show how small, daily choices—like picking up trash or simply saying hello—weave the fabric of a strong community.

As the student speeches concluded, Vice President Jannatul Naima guided the assembly into its second act: honoring the “Community Superheroes.”

The FLES Student Council—including Secretary Mohammed Anas and Treasurer Arnisha Biswas—took the stage to present awards to local community organizations. These vital partners, who regularly support the Lighthouse School through generous donations and ongoing assistance, were recognized for modeling the very service and leadership the students are striving to emulate.

As the morning drew to a close with final remarks from Principal Susan Mazzeo, the energy in the room was palpable. Parents lingered to take photos, beaming at the future leaders who had just commanded the stage.

The event was a vivid realization of the school’s “Leaders’ Mission.” But perhaps the most enduring takeaway came from Ms. LaRuffa’s opening challenge to the student body: “If you want change, be the one who begins it. Remember… You are that leader. You are that voice. You are that impact.”

Looking at the students of P.S. 74, the future appears to be in incredibly capable hands.