June 14, 2006

From the desk of Legislator Dave Mejias

A very special graduation ceremony

At this time of year, it is not uncommon for public officials to attend all types of commencement ceremonies, from college graduations to kindergarten. 

Like many of my colleagues, I was recently invited to serve as a commencement speaker for one of these ceremonies.  However, this particular graduation was different from those we have been accustomed to.  

On June 13th, I was honored to address the fifteen graduates of the Nassau BOCES Teenage Parenting Program, also known as TAP.  Since 1982, this unique program has been providing pregnant teens from schools across Nassau County with the resources to develop as students, parents and young adults.  

The TAP program provides services to young women from the ages of 11 to 21, some of whom have overcome unspeakable hardships, but are determined to earn their Regents diploma.  The school’s caring staff of teachers, guidance counselors, nurses, and psychologists provide not only academic instruction, but also guidance in preparing each student to become an effective, self-respecting mother, and a role model for her child. 

Prior to the ceremony, I had the opportunity to tour the facility at the Seaford Avenue School with the school’s principal, Reneé Hamilton.  Ms. Hamilton introduced me to some of the graduates, and I was thoroughly impressed with the obvious talent and potential of these young women.  Even more impressive was the tremendous outpouring of support that each one received their friends, family, teachers, and fellow graduates.  They have earned that support by working hard and making every effort to achieve a better life for themselves and their children.  It is truly no wonder that nearly 75 percent of TAP students stay in school or graduate after the birth of their babies—significantly higher than the national rate of 67 percent.  Additionally, more than half of TAP’s graduates enroll in college or career training programs while maintaining a job. 

Programs such as these are so vital to these young women, yet they are unfortunately one of the first victims of budget cuts.  Social service and education programs are often casualties of school budgets that are constricted by a crippling lack of state aid, as well as constant slashing of funds at the federal level.  As a Nassau County Legislator, I am committed to preserving programs like TAP for the people who need them the most.

As always, please never hesitate to contact me at (516) 571-6214 with any questions or concerns, or visit www.NassauCountyNY.gov for further information.  For more details on the Nassau BOCES Teenage Parenting Program, please contact Ms. Reneé Hamilton at (516) 608-6400.