A group of MacArthur High School's Science Research students attended the 24th Annual Long Island Smart Growth Summit on Friday, Dec. 5, accompanied by Dr. Friedman and the district's Director of Science, Mr. McDermott. Held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, the summit brought together more than 1,000 business, community, and government leaders to discuss key regional issues?including affordability, small business support, downtown revitalization, and infrastructure investment. Students had the opportunity to listen to and meet with local supervisors, mayors, state senators, and county officials as they outlined priorities for the upcoming legislative session and ongoing efforts to strengthen Long Island's economic and community landscape.

The students participated in these youth-focused sessions, gaining firsthand insight into how young people can shape policy, support economic growth, and contribute to solutions surrounding housing, energy, and regulatory challenges. Their participation highlighted the importance of student voices in shaping Long Island's future and provided an enriching real-world experience that goes hand in hand with their scientific research and problem-solving work.