With Marshmallows Roastin’ and Water Fights Ensuin’, Phones are Forgotten

Youth of all ages enjoyed barbecued burgers, hot dogs and other treats, along with the company of one another, at the last youth group meeting of the school year at St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) parish, Flatlands.

“I like our youth group leaders and feel comfortable sharing my thoughts with them,” said ninth-grade member Arielle Rodriguez. “I thank everyone for allowing us to be a part of the STA Youth Group.”

“Our experience for the year was a very good one and we are looking forward to next year,” said Arielle’s sister, 12-year-old Arourah Rodriguez. “We also had a ton of fun on the last day because of the combination of the bouncy castle, the making of s’mores, and of course, the water fight.”

Former STA Youth Group member Tyler-Kassandra Odenat, newly graduated college student, appreciated being able to return to Brooklyn from an out-of-state college in time for the last-day celebration.

“I enjoyed listening to the live DJ music, watching the water fight and speaking with the group leaders that I have known since younger days,” she said. “I believe it beneficial to the youth that they have a safe place to go to enjoy each other’s company and to have fun.”

A St. Agnes A.H.S. Original Presentation

Female empowerment was the theme of this year’s Harmony Day play at St. Agnes A.H.S., College Point.

The senior creative writing class produced the script, which was performed by the drama club.

In the play, a bright but shy student fears speaking her mind and presenting a speech to her classmates. After falling asleep at the end of class, she awakens in 1920 where she meets a group of suffragettes. Inspired by the power of their voices at a rally for women’s voting rights, the student finds her own voice. She awakens in the present day ready to present her own speech and share the message of women’s rights.