Practicing confidence and kindness in West Hempstead

Young women from West Hempstead Middle School recently took part in Beautiful Me, Self-Esteem Rising, a program presented by The Hance Family Foundation. The program covers topics such as self-esteem, positive body awareness, healthy relationship and leadership skills, self-confidence and other empowerment themes.

Members of the school’s support staff facilitated small group sessions during lunch periods for both in-person and virtual learners. Counselor Angela Sigmon has been involved in the program since West Hempstead introduced it a few years ago.

“I really love being a facilitator since we began doing Beautiful Me a few years ago,” Sigmon said in a news release. “The young ladies are always smiling at the end of the program.“

The program culminates with the receipt of a gift; a necklace with three hearts representing completion of the program accompanied by a note that reads, “Thank you for taking the time to learn how to feel strong, confident, and kind to others. You are beautiful.”

Courtesy West Hempstead School District; compiled by Nakeem Grant