Members of the Lynbrook High School Student Government Association, with adviser Mary Kirby, hosted the school’s annual Human Relations Day on Feb. 13. For this year’s event, the SGA picked the theme “Owl Be There For You,” a play on words from the theme song of the popular television sitcom, “Friends.” Students heard from inspiring individuals and organizations throughout the school day, including keynote speaker Gian Paul Gonzalez. 

The student body gathered in the school gymnasium where Gonzalez, a motivational speaker and founder and director of the Hope + Future Foundation, spoke about his positive “All In” message. He shared his upbringing, his love of teaching, how he started his motivational speaking career with the New York Giants and why he decided to open a youth center in his community. Through his stories, Gonzalez inspired students to help others and be the best they can be by going “All In.” 

“The greatest things in the world, they never start big,” he told students. “They always start small.” 

Other motivational speakers also visited classrooms throughout the day. These included Ruthanne McCormack from the Rockville Centre Coalition for Youth, John Feal from the FealGood Foundation, Police Officer Robert Meier from the Lynbrook Police Department, students from the Viscardi School, Jeff Fenn from the Long Island TRIO and more. The day allowed students to learn about important topics such as living with disabilities, reducing substance abuse, fighting adversity, kindness, respect, courage and empowerment for young women.