By David You ’19, Staff Writer

With the introduction of three speakers in just a few weeks’ time, Newark Academy has significantly boosted the presence of out-of-school ideas. As NA continues to bring in more speakers with the Global Speaker Series, three clubs — Green Committee, Support the Troops and Think Tank — have taken initiative and invited speakers of their own in efforts to gain outside perspective. Previously, most clubs just met once a week to talk about these issues, but clubs have evolved and globalized. As Ms. Lifson says, “We are teaching future leaders.”

Think Tank hosted Dr. Eric Mandel, a research reporter who meets with many high officials in the US and in Israel. Recently, he came to The Academy to talk about the Iran Deal, which he says is one of the most important foreign policy deals in our lifetime. He explained why he personally opposes it, viewing it as far too generous.

Support the Troops Club hosted Major Sung Hwang, a Korean-American who served in the Afghanistan war and is currently in the New York Army Reserve. He talked about his experience in the war as well as his life as a veteran and an immigrant. In Afghanistan, he was known as the “money guy,” because he often carried large amounts of cash in order to gain favor with locals feeding information about troop movements to the Taliban.

On December 8th, in the Kaltenbacher Hall, Green Committee and Marine Biology Club co-hosted Indiana Rich ‘17’s aunt, Debbie Mans, an environmental researcher who formerly served in the Environmental and Energy Policy Advisor for NJ Governor Jon Corzine, and currently works with the environmental conservatory organization NY/NJ Baykeeper. She studies acidity and pollution in the water and its effects on the aquatic life in the area. She also focuses on our use of microplastics and preserving the local oyster population. Sanya Bery ’17, who helped coordinate the talk, encouraged students to come because she believes that water acidity and pollution is “a huge problem that impacts everyone, even at NA.” 

Teachers have been very encouraging and supportive of inviting speakers, but because these speakers can be expensive or not have the time to visit, it is very hard to get some speakers to come. Ms. Lifson, one of the advisors for Think Tank, says that clubs “must make connections with organizations” in order to get these speakers to come at a much cheaper price or even for free, as all three of these speakers did. Zach Kessel ‘19, a good friend of Major Sung Hwang, agrees with Ms. Lifson: “We need to reach out and encourage them to come here. We can encourage them by telling them that NA students have a thirst for knowledge and would be a great audience, and that the speakers will make a difference in the lives of these students.” Because of Indiana and Zach, we have been given new connections that would not have existed otherwise. 

Finally, students need to know the importance of a broader education. Ms. Lifson explained the importance for “students to gain diverse viewpoints.” Although we, as students, are still young, Ms. Lifson believes that we ”play an important role and lead in these issues.” She also encourages students to use social media to educate the public outside of school. She hopes that this extended reach will raise awareness and inspire others to create change. As clubs continue to change their dynamics, these clubs take it a step further to educate our school. Zach Kessel wants “more speakers to come to educate people about the issues that the clubs deal with.” He also encourages clubs to hold fundraisers to raise awareness about these issues. Clubs do not only have to bring in speakers, but they can also get creative and think of new ways to promote change. As Ms. Lifson stated, “We should continue supporting students as they come up with creative ideas.” Additionally, she wishes to bring up these issues at Morning Meeting. Finally, as Sanya Berry puts it: “Each club should find their passion and make a difference.”