Youth Voices Shine at Lindenhurst’s 8th Annual Leadership Summit

LINDENHURST, NY — October 14, 2025: The Lindenhurst Community Cares Coalition, hosted its 8th Annual Youth Leadership Summit at the Lindenhurst Fireman’s Pavilion. The event brought together over 100 middle and high school students for an inspiring day of youth empowerment, leadership development, and substance misuse prevention.
This year’s summit, designed and led by student leaders, featured interactive workshops such as Choose Your Fate, Substance Clue, and STOPPED: Drunk Driving Prevention, facilitated by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. The National Guard also joined to lead a hands-on community mapping activity, encouraging students to identify areas in need of safety improvements throughout Lindenhurst.
Local dignitaries including Mayor Michael Lavorata and Assemblyman Kwani O’Pharrow’s office attended to show their support, along with representatives from the Lindenhurst School District, Suffolk County Police, and the Long Island Prevention Resource Center.
“The summit gives our youth a platform to lead and make their voices heard,” said Executive Director Lori-Ann Novello. “Their creativity, teamwork, and commitment to making healthy choices continue to inspire the entire community.”
The day concluded with raffles, team challenges, and a group photo celebrating a successful, substance-free event that reinforced the power of youth leadership and collaboration.