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Hartwick College Celebrates Community Leadership at Student Voices, Student Choices Awards

High school students from six area schools presented community projects to about 200 people on Monday, Nov. 25, at Hartwick College's Slade Theatre as part of the third annual Student Voices, Student Choices program.

The 2024 initiative began in September when Hartwick students involved with the Institute of Public Service hosted a day-long workshop for high school teams. Over the following months, the teams developed projects to address community needs and propose solutions.

“I was so impressed with each of the six high school presentations,” said Zachary McKenney, co-director of the Hartwick College Institute of Public Service and an assistant professor of sociology.”

Zachary McKenney

“The students did a remarkable job identifying key issues in our region and the steps they’re taking to address them are both compassionate and creative.”

Zachary McKenney

Co-Director of the Hartwick College Institute of Public Service & Assistant Professor of Sociology

Schenevus High School claimed the Student Voices, Student Choices trophy as the overall winner. Their plan focuses on updating and revitalizing the Dragon Closet, a space in their school that provides clothing and hygiene products to students in need. Each of the six participating teams—Cooperstown, Laurens, Morris, Oneonta, Schenevus and Worcester—received $2,500 for their projects.

Schenevus High School students with the Student Voices, Student Choices trophy at Hartwick College

This is the third year the program has been held and the second consecutive year it has been hosted by Hartwick College. The initiative was started by Jeff Katz, executive director of the Community Foundation of Otsego County, to help high school students focus on local needs and issues while encouraging them to become community leaders.

“This program develops community building,” explained Katz. “And it makes the students think, ‘what do you want this community to look like for you to want to be here.’ Every project from past years is in motion; some have already happened and some are still in progress, but everyone is doing what they set out to do.”

With this year’s event, the Community Foundation of Otsego County has awarded $41,000 to student-led projects through the Student Voices, Student Choices program.

December 10, 2024
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