LONG ISLAND CHAPTER

Hi! My name is Ben Taciak and I’m the leader of the Long Island chapter. I’m a senior at Centereach High School, Student Body President, National Honor Society President, and Leader of the New York chapter of the Abelard Institute of Oxford. I always found that fitness helped keep me healthy mentally and physically, which is why I wrestled for several years until I faced a career-ending injury. Now I play golf, run, and lift weights to keep me happy and healthy. I look forward to building a community here on Long Island with my co-leader Cemal Tastan, encouraging all teens to pursue mental, and physical wellness!

Hello my name is Cemal Tastan and I’m co-leader of the Long Island chapter. I’m a junior at Centereach High School, DECA chapter President, and chess club treasurer. In addition to my leadership positions I’m also an athlete. I’m on the varsity wrestling team and also the varsity tennis team. I decided to continue my fitness journey along with my leadership positions because I found that being an athlete helped me maintain balance in my life rather than be a barrier to my academic success. I’m excited to build a community along with my co-leader Ben Taciak and meeting many more students that have the same passion.