MSA Day of Unity Conference

On April 11th, 2025, Valley Stream North High School’s Muslim Student Association (MSA) attended their first Day of Unity Conference at Walt Whitman High School. I had the pleasure of interviewing the President of the MSA, Afaf Aswad, and have her share her thoughts on the experience: 

How did your MSA first hear about the Day of Unity, and what made you want to attend?  

Aswad: “Dr. Loper and Dr. DiMaio shared details about the fourth annual Day of Unity Conference, following an invitation from Mr. John Murphy, the principal of Walt Whitman High School. Mr. Murphy extended an invitation to our MSA to participate in discussions aimed at promoting unity, diversity, and overcoming prejudice in schools. We wanted to attend because of this year’s theme of "Acceptance" and the core discussions of the Day of Unity Conference align with the missions and goals of our club. The event promotes creating an inclusive environment for students on Long Island, regardless of their religious beliefs and ethnic backgrounds.” 

Were there any speakers or activities that really stood out to you? Why?  

Aswad: “The speakers and activities that stood out to me were the Huntington Anti-Bias Task Force, presented by Joanne Polichetti and Helen Boxwill, which emphasizes the importance of understanding among community members and addresses instances of intolerance, prejudice, and discrimination. Additionally, The Zen Den, led by Kristen McDermott, advocates for peace, tranquility, and the significance of meditation in daily life. Ms. McDermott led a meditation session that was soothing.” 

Were there any interesting conversations or moments of connection between your group and others? 

Aswad: “I thoroughly enjoyed the group activities that took place after each main presentation. Engaging with fellow Muslim students from various schools across Long Island was a wonderful experience. We were frequently organized into groups based on the color or number of our wristbands. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to draw images representing what resonated with me during those discussions.” 

What did the Day of Unity teach you about unity, faith, and diversity? 

Aswad: “The Day of Unity was an informative experience that focused on themes of unity, faith, and diversity. This event featured five presentations from various organizations, including the Huntington Anti-Bias Task Force, the Zen Den, the Eid Holiday Coalition, student presenters, and the Interfaith Initiative. The presentations emphasized the importance of community members being understanding toward one another, the need for individuals to advocate for peace and tranquility, and the necessity for schools across the United States to provide resources and tools for celebrating various religious holidays. Additionally, the event highlighted acceptance through collaboration among different school districts.” 

Attendees’ Opinions on the Day of Unity Conference: 

What was your favorite part of the Day of Unity field trip, and why did it stand out to you? 

Asra Aftab: “My favorite part was meeting other MSA members from across the county. It was such a pleasant and inspiring experience to see how many students are working toward the same goal, promoting unity, understanding, and appreciation for all religions. What really stood out to me was how different this felt compared to previous years. It showed me that our school, along with others, is making real progress in recognizing and celebrating all religions. Being part of something that brings people together and encourages respect across different communities meant a lot to me, and it made me proud to be involved.” 

Naomi Gonzalez: “I enjoyed the meditation aspect of the Day of Unity because I felt like, especially with AP Exams coming up, this was a very needed and calming activity, not only for me but for a lot of other students who attended. In addition, I loved how Walt Whitman High School included students from Suffolk and Nassau and brought them all together. I thought that was a very nice concept. This was truly a day of unity.”