On August 18, 2025, the Special Treatment and Research (STAR) Program at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University proudly hosted the Adolescent Education Program (AEP) – Teens Helping Each Other (THEO) Summer Training Peer Induction Ceremony at the Public Health Academy Building in Brooklyn, NY. Families, staff, and community partners gathered to honor the achievements of local teens who completed six weeks of intensive peer leadership training focused on HIV prevention, STI education, and sexual health advocacy.
Brooklyn Teens Trained as Peer Leaders & Youth Advocate
Over the summer, participants completed 120 hours of training covering HIV and STI prevention, birth control, mental health awareness, healthy relationships, and community outreach. The program combined classroom learning with real-world experience, including outreach events at Prospect Park, Wingate Park, and local festivals, where teens distributed condoms, shared resources, and connected residents with health services.
As one graduate reflected, “We didn’t just gain knowledge. We gained friendships, laughter, and experiences we will never forget.”
Inspirational Ceremony and Keynote
Malik Kane and Chelsea Madramootoo emceed the celebration, which included remarks from senior peer leaders, program staff, and community mentors. Special recognition was given to Ms. Mariam Searchwell and Ms. Tiffany Jones for coordinating the training and guiding the youth throughout the summer.
Keynote speaker Ms Elizabeth Smith, LGBTQAI+ Program Coordinator at the HEAT Program, inspired graduates with a powerful message:
“Knowledge is power. Even beyond the classroom, you can impact your families, your peers, and your communities. Simply by caring, by sharing what you’ve learned, you’re already making change.”
Honoring the Class of 2025
The 2025 graduates—Alima, Luna, Jabari, Mahnoor, Leilani, and Robiya—were awarded certificates of excellence signed by Dr. Jack DeHovitz, STAR Program Director, and Christine Rucker, AEP Director.
This year’s top honorees included:
- Valedictorian & Best Facilitator: Leilani Walters
- Salutatorian: Mahnoor Shazadi
- Best Writer: Ruby (in absentia)
Building the Next Generation of Leaders
Graduates now step into their new roles as Health Education Youth Workers, where they will co-facilitate evidence-based workshops on sexual health, healthy relationships, and HIV prevention across Brooklyn schools and community organizations. Their work reinforces STAR’s mission to empower Brooklyn youth to make informed choices, reduce stigma, and promote health equity.
As Hilary Cherry shared in her welcome address:
“Today isn’t just about completing your program. It’s about stepping into leadership. You’re not just graduates—you are advocates, role models, and community leaders.”
Celebrating Youth Power in Brooklyn
The evening concluded with a gallery walk of the graduates’ college-level poster board presentations and Paint for Peace artwork, highlighting their creativity, research, and commitment to community wellness. Families then joined the new peer leaders for food and fellowship, celebrating a summer of resilience, teamwork, and growth.
The STAR Program congratulates our 2025 THEO Peer Leaders & Youth Advocates on their achievement. Together, they represent the future of Brooklyn’s youth health leadership, carrying forward the values of advocacy, education, and compassion.
Learn more about THEO at www.theoprogram.org
