VIDEO: Academic Field Day at Kennedy
Kennedy High School marked two significant milestones with a special Academic Field Day on Nov. 3, bringing the themes of America 250 and Kennedy 60 to life through a day of interactive workshops, alumni panels, historical exploration, and community service.
Organized by the school's Leadership students, the day celebrated the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and the 60th anniversary of Kennedy High School.
Through a wide range of programming, students explored the people, events, traditions, and shared experiences that have shaped both the nation and their school community.
A highlight of the day was a keynote panel featuring six military veterans who shared firsthand accounts of their experiences serving the country. Panelists included William Smith, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Department of Veterans' Services; Gary Glick, Richard Kaplan, and Dennis Kantor, U.S. Army Vietnam War veterans; School Counselor Keely Coco, U.S. Navy Lieutenant; and Jeffrey Newman, U.S. Army veteran and flight engineer. Their personal stories offered students a deeper understanding of military service, sacrifice, and the responsibilities of protecting the nation's democratic values.
The Kennedy 60 celebration also brought the school's history to life through a panel featuring members of its first graduating classes. David Weiss, Dr. William Seader, and Andy Quasha, all members of the Class of 1968, joined Joanne Moustakos and Alice Reiter Laby of the Class of 1969 to share memories of their high school experiences, reflect on how the community has changed, and discuss the lasting influence of their years at Kennedy.
Students also explored Kennedy's athletic legacy during The 60-Year Playbook, a panel featuring school athletic Hall of Famers and alumni from multiple generations. The discussion highlighted the coaches, teachers, teammates, and experiences that shaped their lives and the role athletics continued to play long after graduation.
One panelist reflected on how the lessons learned through athletics continue to shape her life today, particularly as a parent. She shared that he strives to instill those same values in his own children, emphasizing the “importance of discipline, perseverance, taking care of oneself, teamwork, a strong work ethic, and communication.”
Additional workshops encouraged students to engage with American history and culture in creative and interactive ways. Activities included creating a time capsule filled with artifacts and messages to be opened in 2076 for the nation's tricentennial, building a 250-year historical timeline through a collaborative chalk mural, exploring colonial baking traditions, and tracing the evolution of American basketball, theater, and music. Students also tested their historical knowledge through a U.S. History Mega-Trivia Contest.
The day celebrated the diversity of the American experience through From Another Country to the United States, a panel featuring students and staff who shared personal immigration stories and reflected on the challenges and opportunities of starting a new life in the United States.
During the discussion, social studies teacher Miguel Velasquez shared how his "love for music helped me master other languages over time," highlighting the many paths through which people connect, communicate, and find a sense of belonging.
Service was another central theme of Academic Field Day. Students participated in two hands-on initiatives supporting local community members. Through the district's holiday food drive, students helped distribute collection bags throughout the neighborhood while learning about food insecurity and the importance of collective action. Others assembled care packages for the Nassau County Veterans Winter Stand Down, providing practical support to local veterans.
Senior Leadership student Katelyn Kuhl reflected on the importance of giving back through the veterans service project. "We thought it would be a good idea to help those who served us. It's good to give back to those who worked hard and sacrificed for the things we have now. It's a good way to bring a sense of community to the entire school.”
Faculty advisor Brad Seidman, who organized the event, praised the students for their leadership and commitment to bringing the day's programming together.
“I could not be prouder of our Leadership III students for organizing such a meaningful event,” he said. “This Academic Field Day bridged our nation's 250-year history with Kennedy High School's 60-year legacy of service. By engaging their peers in everything from honoring our local veterans to exploring the diverse immigrant stories of our students and staff, our students demonstrated that the true strength of our country lies in our shared commitment to community, diversity, and active citizenship.”
Click here to view the video on YouTube.