The crossroads of high school have never been easy. Cliques, rumors, surging hormones, peer pressure - it's all been fodder for television, literature and scores of Hollywood movies. The electronic-overloaded 21st century teen is mired in a world of decisions and the subdivisions of high school – jocks, band geeks, nerds, cheerleaders, loners – don't help.

Teenagers are a topic Garden City High School principal Nanine Cuttitta knows well, which is why she was bowled over when she was introduced to the Challenge Day program. Her initial reaction: "This is unbelievable." She knew the program would be monumental but little did she know it would catapult to fame.  

Challenge Day is an award-winning program for youths that promotes compassion and respect in schools and communities. The day includes innovative workshops which are designed to break down barriers, promote understanding, acceptance, connection and empathy. The program is designed to fulfill a vision that every child can live in a world where they feel safe, loved and celebrated.  

To say that she was on the cutting edge of a new phenomenon is an understatement. She's quick to share that she launched the program at her former school a couple of days prior to its premiere on the Oprah show. The program has been highly acclaimed and is currently being featured on MTV.

When Cuttitta arrived in Garden City in 2008, she was determined to bring this awe-inspiring program to the high school and she did.

"Where there's a will, there's a way," quipped Cuttitta.  

She believes in the strength and core values of the program and, true to her word, she launched it the year she arrived. Cuttitta is quick to tell you that this is no ordinary program. The program is interactive and life altering.

"It's a huge commitment, in 2008 we had 100 students and 50 faculty members participate," said Cutitta. "In 2010 we extended the program over two days and had 200 students participate. I never met any student or adult who felt it wasn't valuable."

Participants start out jumping around and playing games, then they break up into smaller groups. The smaller group experience provides opportunities for students and faculty members to open up and share. One of the activities is called "if you really knew me." This powerful opening allows students to finish the sentence and share what lies beneath their facade.  

"Some students shared earth shattering things and others didn't," said Cuttitta.  "However, the most powerful activity was 'cross the line.'"  

This activity calls for participants to stand together while a moderator calls out different situations the group may have faced such as, "has anyone ever been made fun of because of your weight?" or "have you felt the pain of divorce or death in your family?" Participants are told to cross the line and proceed to the other side if the situation applies to them. Soon, everyone has crossed the line emphasizing that we all face problems, issues or concerns – even the popular cheerleader or football player you thought had a perfect life. 

"I was happy I participated," said senior Laura LoTurco. "I did see people in a new light and the activities showed me that I had things in common with people I never would have thought I did. Challenge Day took me outside of my comfort zone. It was nice to see who people really are."

Garden City guidance counselor Natasha Khan, who played a pivotal role in running the program, advised that the activities did bring adults and students back to reality.

"The message that we are all the same and we're in this together was heard loud and clear," said Khan. 

Challenge Day addresses how your image can keep you separate from other people. The more open and honest we are willing to be, the more connected we become. Most people's greatest fear is rejection and that fear is so pervasive that many of us hide who we really are, choosing to act tough or be cool. Intimacy and connection risk exposing our true self and what we're really dealing with.

The program successfully addresses common issues seen at schools, including rumors, teasing, cliques, isolation, intolerance, bullying, violence, homophobia and hopelessness. 

"Finding a place and connection for everyone is important," said Cuttitta. "Whether it is athletics or the chess club, study after study has indicated that students who have a connection do better in school and have an easier time handling adversity."