LONG ISLAND CHAPTER

Run by: Cemal Tastan, Sebastian Kijewski, & Safat Alam

Long Island, NY

Contact: pea.longislandchapter@gmail.com

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.

Hello, my name is Sebastian Kijewski. I’m going into my junior year at Centereach High School, where I am the vice president of NTHS, Treasurer of our school's Chess club, and Treasurer of my class, as well as the lead designer for the Robotics team. On top of these responsibilities, I’ve found that lifting weights gives me great mental clarity and has been a great way for me to relieve stress that I gain from my commitments, which has only helped improve my skills. This is why I’m excited to take part in building a community with Cemal Tastan and Safat Alam from the foundations that Benjamin Taciak has already built for a community of students pursuing mental and physical wellness!

Hello, my name is Safat Alam. I’m going into my junior year at Centereach High School, where I currently serve as President for the Class of 2027. Outside of school, I enjoy playing the violin and exploring new places through travel. I’m especially excited to take part in leading pea.longisland alongside Sebastian Kijewski and Cemal Tastan, building on the foundation Benjamin Taciak created. Having seen close friends overcome mental health struggles, I’m passionate about supporting those facing similar challenges and helping to create a space where mental and physical wellness is prioritized.

Check them out on Instagram!