Students To Present Solutions for Local Needs

ONEONTA—The Community Foundation of Otsego County will present the 2024 Student Voices, Student Choices Awards at Hartwick College’s Slade Theatre on Monday, November 25 from 7-9:30 p.m.

“Encouraging philanthropy throughout Otsego County is a major goal for the foundation,” said Executive Director Jeff Katz. “We spark that interest by engaging our youth through a unique program for high-school students designed to sharpen their focus on local needs and issues and encourage them to become leaders in their communities.”

In 2022, four teams from participating high schools—Cherry Valley-Springfield, Edmeston, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, and Richfield Springs—identified the greatest needs in their communities, researched organizations that address those needs, and then presented their ideas on solutions to a panel of local leaders and educators. In 2023, three more schools were added—Unatego, Morris and Milford.

“In 2024, we bring in the remaining schools that have yet to participate—Worcester, Schenevus, Laurens, Oneonta, and Cooperstown—along with Morris, which placed second in 2023. With those schools involved, all high schools in Otsego County will have participated,” Katz said.
The event is always exciting, Katz continued.

The Student Voices, Student Choices Awards is an exciting event, Katz continued.

“Participating students, school superintendents and principals, and faculty advisors are always enthusiastic, letting us know that their participation led to positive change in their communities,” he explained.

And participation is not simply an exercise. In the first two years, CFOC awarded $26,000.00 toward student projects.

“Everyone wins—students, communities, schools, Otsego County. Simply by participating, each student made an impact on their community,” Katz said. “We encourage the public to attend and share in the pleasure of seeing local high-school students as they propose innovative ways to improve Otsego County.”

The Slade Theatre is located on the fourth floor of Yager Hall at Hartwick College. Admission to this event is free.