Otsego County Students Take Center Stage Solving Community Challenges with Innovation and Heart
Six high schools demonstrate the power of youth-led community action at the Community Foundation of Otsego County’s 4th annual Student Voices, Student Choices showcase
ONEONTA, NY – The Slade Theater at Hartwick College’s Yager Hall buzzed with energy on November 24 as students from six Otsego County high schools proved that when it comes to solving local problems, fresh perspectives and youthful determination can make all the difference.
The 4th annual Student Voices, Student Choices, a program created by the Community Foundation of Otsego County to encourage philanthropy and stress community building in our county high schoolers, wasn’t just another school competition – it was a masterclass in community-driven innovation, where each team identified real needs in their neighborhoods and developed actionable solutions that would make an immediate impact.
From Books to Rabies: The Diversity of Rural Challenges
The variety of challenges tackled reflected the unique character of each community:
Milford students addressed a fundamental need many take for granted: access to books and literacy support for their peers, recognizing that building a reading culture starts with availability and enthusiasm.
In Cherry Valley-Springfield, a cancelled Halloween celebration due to a local rabies outbreak sparked action. Students rallied to ensure pets in their community could access vital vaccinations, turning a disappointment into a public health initiative.
Mental health took center stage for Unatego students, who created a support framework for students struggling with stress, anxiety, and other challenges, bringing awareness and resources to an often-overlooked issue in rural schools.
Otsego Christian Academy looked beyond school walls entirely, addressing increased demand at the Otego Food Pantry as families faced pressure from government shutdowns and SNAP benefit cutbacks.
Perhaps the most inventive solution came from Edmeston, which proposed a mobile hygiene trailer—a practical answer to the widespread need for personal care products in underserved rural communities.
Morris students took a holistic approach, designing a year-long calendar of community events aimed at strengthening neighborhood bonds and building lasting connections.
More Than a Competition
“Every presentation was full of community spirit, student enthusiasm, and good positive attitudes towards helping others,” reflected one audience member, capturing the spirit that filled the theater that evening.
What sets ‘Student Voices, Student Choices’ apart is its guarantee of impact. Thanks to the Community Foundation of Otsego County and sponsors like Platinum Sponsor NYCM Insurance, every participating team receives $2,500 in funding, win or lose. It’s not about creating winners and losers, but about empowering every team to make their vision a reality.
Still, there was one coveted prize: the trophy. This year, Unatego claimed the honor, becoming the fourth unique winner since the program launched in 2022 (following Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, Cherry Valley-Springfield, and Schenevus). They’ll display the trophy proudly until next year’s competition.
A Growing Movement
The evolution has been striking. “Each year, the students’ focus has become more clearly aligned to real community needs,” noted a school administrator in attendance. “It is wonderful to see students identifying these areas and taking meaningful action. Thank you for giving our students the opportunity to do just that!”
One teacher-advisor was particularly impressed by the breadth of impact: “I was especially impressed with the number of projects that had an impact beyond the school and truly reached the community level.”
Looking Ahead
The 5th annual Student Voices, Student Choices is already on the calendar for November 2026, with seven schools ready to step up: Worcester, Schenevus, Oneonta, Cooperstown, Richfield Springs, Laurens, and Gilbertsville-Mount Upton.
For Jeff Katz, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Otsego County, the program represents something profound about the region’s future. “Student Voices, Student Choices is the highlight of the Community Foundation of Otsego County’s year,” he said. “It’s a thrill to be able to meet and work with the future of Otsego County.”
And based on what these students accomplished, that future looks bright indeed.
The Student Voices, Student Choices program is made possible through the Community Foundation of Otsego County and generous sponsors including Platinum Sponsor NYCM Insurance. For more information about the program or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit https://cfotsego.org/
