“Sources of Strength” is a new student group at BHS. This has been abundantly clear to anyone paying attention.

Now, what exactly is it? These reporters actually don’t know, to be honest. This group seems exclusive…each person gets chosen to be in it, but you can’t just “join” the group.

So, who even chooses members? Apparently, teachers were polled to find out who might be good student leaders. Then, SoS members raise money…for what??? Scholarships? No, t-shirts!* 

*After hearing from Dr. Ricci we have found that this is actually untrue. Dr. Ricci said, “We do not raise money for t-shirts. The shirts were donated by the group’s sponsor. We are planning on making a donation back to the Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation as a way to further promote their efforts. By ‘student swag’ I meant materials provided to all students during events.  Most of the money is put into promotional materials and supplies but we also plan to use the money to create ‘Bethpage Sources of Strength’ logo giveaways such as bracelets, pens, and squishy balls, to promote the program further.”

After a series of interviews and conversations, it was clear that the SoS group definitely has good intentions and promotes healthy habits that all students should be a part of. We learned this. Then, why limit who is involved? If the idea to promote healthy habits—a noble one, of course—why not be open to all students instead of a select few?

Further, SoS members get pulled out of classes, losing important class time. Then, the teachers have to spend excessive time explaining what the kids missed and making up quizzes and tests. 

Apparently, according to our sources, SoS’s exclusive group members partake in such activities such as meditations and events such as “March Mentor Madness.” We talked to some “peer mentors” and teachers regarding their opinions on this group…or program…  Admittedly, the SoS group runs some great wellness-related activities for their members. Here are quotes from BHS students who chose to respond, mostly anonymously:

“I love participating in fun activities. It’s so fun to be a peer mentor! My favorite activity was meditation.” 

“I think SoS is a great way to promote positive habits.” 

“I am honored to have the ability to radiate kindness to my peers.”

These are some positive reactions, but some others believe the SoS group isn’t all that:

“It definitely needs to be tweaked a bit.”

“I don’t get how they put my twin brother in it when I have just as good grades, I do more extracurriculars then him, and I was just not asked to be a part of this.”

“This group is supposed to promote healthy habits and they have meditation exercises and things like that. But why can nobody else participate in them? These activities aim to make us more mentally healthy, but are available to only the kids who are supposed to be the mentors–so, they’re mentally stable and good examples. Kids who need the help this program is supposed to offer can’t get it.” 

“It’s supposed to be all like student initiative and everything but some teachers start to micro-manage.”

“It’s kind of a shame because it’s clear that there were really good intentions behind it. But, I know there’s a lot of amazing people who could make this club really great but just aren’t given opportunities to because they weren’t voted in it. Also I feel like I have good relationships with my teachers so it kind of hurts that I wasn’t chosen to be in it and that is where I can see some problems coming from.”

“I didn’t know I had to be elected to be in a club.”

“Why can’t I participate in the Instagram trends?”

Following our conversation with Dr. Ricci, we would like to add that Sources of Strength is not technically a club. Dr. Ricci said, “a club is held after school with one or two paid advisors and typically has elected leadership including a president, vice president and so on. Although some of our activities are after school, many are during school. In addition, we meet to plan during the day, have 20 volunteer staff advisors, and no official hierarchy.”

Still others remain optimistic:

“I don’t understand why people would criticize. This club has very noble goals.”

“It’s definitely like a cool group and like when they get things up and running it’s cool. Like the healthy food samples in the cafeteria this week. But it’s just like a super slow start. Like it takes so long to get things started.” 

So…

One could say we are “hating” because we aren’t included in the group. Honestly, that is exactly why we’ve had complaints in the first place. SoS sounds like an amazing group, and we would love to truly understand and be a part of it.

We asked Dr. Ricci, the professional in charge of this group, some of our questions regarding Sources of Strength.

TEC: How do you join?

Dr. Ricci: “As of now, Sources of Strength is a program that any student can be part of, but the students who organize and run the program were selected by their classroom teachers.”

TEC: How does the selection process work?

Dr. Ricci: “Classroom teachers nominated students.  Selections were done by committee based on the number of nominations received, behavior, attendance, and academics.  Teachers were asked to nominate students they thought were leaders within their peer group. We looked to choose students across peer groups.”

TEC: What is your ultimate goal?

Dr. Ricci: “Our ultimate goal is to promote a healthy school culture. Sources are about connecting students across social groups to healthy habits, empowering resources, and, most importantly to each other. We want Bethpage High School to be a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and nourished academically, socially, and emotionally. We have many great things going on here at the high school and we would like to support those activities and make what is great even better. ”

TEC: What would you say to students who did not get selected? In other words, is there any hope for them to get in in the future?

Dr. Ricci: “Now that many students are becoming aware of the program, we are getting that question often.  The best thing to do is to speak with a teacher you have a good relationship with and express your interest in the program.  If you know a teacher that is an “Adult Advisor”, even better. We will be offering another training next year to replace our graduating seniors and grow the program.  We are looking for students who are willing to be leaders among their peers and help promote health activities and mindset.”

TEC: What do you raise money for?

Dr. Ricci: “All money raised goes right back into the program.  The money from the bake sale was used to buy the wheel we use to give away prizes at events.  We plan on using funds to help buy materials for the program and additional swag for students.  In addition, our training and t-shirts were funded by our benefactor, the Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation.  At some point shortly, we will be looking to donate to that program which supports this and other Sources of Strength programs throughout Long Island.”

Following our questions, Dr. Ricci added an additional point to help clarify our initial thoughts;

“We would like all students at Bethpage High School to participate and be part of the program in some way. If you have a friend that is a “Peer Leader” or a teacher who is a “Student Advisor”, speak with them about how you can get involved. For example, one way students can get involved is to help promote, set up and run events. If you would like to be a Peer Leader in the future, speak with one of your teachers.”

Well, some of our questions were answered here, but some remain. One thing seems clear, however: SoS is here to stay.