“I’ve become a stronger person.” —Freeport High School Sophomore Johanna Buitrago

(Freeport, N.Y.) — Stress is a regular part of adolescent life, but Freeport High School students have discovered a unique method to cope with it — yoga. Using time-honored techniques such as kriya and pranayama, students focus on breathing to achieve a balance between mind and body.

It is all part of the Youth Empowerment program brought to the district by Superintendent Dr. Kishore Kuncham. During the pilot program, Dr. Kuncham spoke to the students and shared what he had observed. “You are glowing,” he told the teens during a group discussion following one of the sessions. “I encourage your commitment to this program because there are so many advantages.”

Following the six-session pilot, students have already reported positive results. “This is an awesome program and should be continued,” says senior Walter Guandique. “It’s helped me think about how to deal with problems. Since I started the program, I’m better organized in school and my personal relationships have improved.”

Sophomore Laura Betincur has found that her concentration has improved. “It’s always been hard for me to pay attention,” she says. “My mind wanders. But since starting the program, my mind has been much clearer. I’m better able to focus in class, complete homework and even listen to my mom.”

“Relaxing the mind brings clarity of thought,” Dr. Kuncham says. “This is a powerful tool that cleanses accumulated stress and improves the quality of life.”

School Psychologist Elizabeth Daiello says that her students have reported a decrease in stress. “They are learning valuable skills that help them manage their emotions. I already see a change in behavior.”

“We’re not just teaching yoga and meditation, but also leadership, confidence building and conflict resolution,” says Annelise Richmond, director of the Youth Empowerment program. “There’s a lot of social interaction involved.”

Freeport Public Schools is a diverse, innovative district on Long Island’s South Shore serving about 6,750 students in grades Pre-K through 12. The district and its eight schools take pride in having the region’s only magnet schools of choice, a longstanding and award-winning classroom English/Spanish Dual Language Program, and a high school where students excel in competitions that include the regional Academic Challenge, Odyssey of the Mind and Future Problem Solving International. The district’s New Visions School of Exploration and Discovery has been named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Photo: Superintendent Dr. Kishore Kuncham addresses Freeport High School students during a pilot session of the district’s new Youth Empowerment program.