From Creativity to Community Impact: Students Tackle Local Needs
Otsego County’s high school students are proving that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are leaders today. For the third consecutive year, the Student Voices, Student Choices (SVSC) program kicked off Thanksgiving week with an evening of innovation, passion, and community-driven solutions. Held at the Slade Theater at Hartwick College, the event saw six high school teams present projects aimed at addressing pressing local needs.
This year’s overall winner was Schenevus, whose project to revitalize the “Dragon Closet” earned them the SVSC trophy and $2,500 in funding. The Dragon Closet provides essential clothing and hygiene products for students in need, ensuring that no child feels left behind. Jason, a student leader for the project said, “Imagine how you would feel if you had to dig through this pile of trash bags to find the basic necessities. Unfortunately, this is the current state of our Dragon Closet. Schenevus community is an area that is generally and financially struggling. Much of what was a blossoming boomtown from the railroads is now a shell of what it once was. This lack of industry and economic growth has greatly affected the people of our community. Overall, 72% of 240 students in our school district, fall below the poverty line.”
2024 Highlights
The creativity didn’t stop with Schenevus. Here’s what other Otsego County high schools brought to the table:
- Worcester: Focused on creating a welcoming space with a surplus of hygiene products for all students.
- Morris: Delivered a progress report on their 2023 food pantry initiative, with plans to expand its operations and secure a permanent home.
- Oneonta: Aided the nonprofit Your Safe Haven in rebranding and outreach to support their mission of feeding those in need.
- Cooperstown: Launched the “Welcome Home CCS” initiative to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity.
- Laurens: Designed a sensory room for students with autism and other mental disabilities, addressing the needs of 15% of their student body.
A Celebration of Leadership and Community
Seventy high school students, alongside advisors and Hartwick College mentors, collaborated to make the event a resounding success. One superintendent captured the night’s energy perfectly:
“I am AWED at how well this event went. Students from all the participating districts stepped up to the plate to serve their community.”
The Student Voices, Student Choices program is more than just a competition. It’s a movement designed to spark a lifelong interest in philanthropy and civic engagement among Otsego County’s youth.
A Legacy of Impact
Since its inception in 2022, the program—organized by the Community Foundation of Otsego County (CFOC)—has brought together all 12 of the county’s high schools. Over its first two years, CFOC awarded $26,000 to student-led projects, supporting initiatives that directly address local needs.
Jeff Katz, Executive Director of CFOC, reflected on the program’s impact:
“In a short time, Student Voices, Student Choices has become a showcase for our Otsego County high school students. The student ideas on building better communities have been extraordinary.”
Looking Ahead
By the end of 2024, every Otsego County high school will have participated in SVSC, completing a countywide cycle of innovation and community empowerment. As the program grows, so too does its impact—proving that when students lead, communities thrive.
Why It Matters
Programs like Student Voices, Student Choices demonstrate the power of youth-driven initiatives in strengthening local communities. They offer young people a platform to turn their ideas into actionable solutions, inspiring us all to look at our communities through fresh eyes.
To learn more about the Student Voices, Student Choices program, and the incredible projects making a difference in Otsego County, visit the Community Foundation of Otsego County.
Video Bonus
Click the image below to watch the presentation of the “Dragon’s Closet” by the winning students from Schenevus School.
Photos by Community Foundation of Otsego County
Video by Schenevus School
