Students receive an ‘Honrable Mention’

The Department of Education recently invited Baldwin High School students in the Youth Change Leader Collaborative, YCLC, to Albany after hearing about their latest endeavor through the Invent2Prevent national competition.

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, EdVenture Partners, and the McCain Institute, Invent2Prevent challenges high school and college students to create and implement their own initiatives to address bullying and other acts of targeted violence and discrimination. The YCLC’s project encourages student advocacy and the importance of peer-to-peer programs and student involvement.

While the Baldwin students did not take home the competition’s top prize, the young activists were recognized with ‘Honorable Mention’ their first time competing in the highly selective challenge and made quite an impression. So much so, this group of young activists was invited to present at the inaugural School Safety Summit hosted by the New York State Education Department, in collaboration with the Center for School Safety. The students presented on their work alongside Tony Sgro, C.E.O. of EdVenture Partners, and Jamey Barcomb, regional prevention coordinator for the US Department of Homeland Security.

“It is imperative that now, more than ever, we listen to the voices of our student leaders about what they need to make school be a safe and inclusive environment for children,” said Gabriella Franza, assistant director of instructional programs. “Our students have both the insight and the perspective that is needed to connect staff and children together for this common goal. I am honored to be able to listen and support these students as they present their ideas with the Invent2Prevent team at this summit.”

In addition, while in their state’s capital, the Baldwin students were honored with a resolution and plaque from Senator Kevin Thomas, signifying that their proposed action plan is being heard and is helping to make a change. The high school will receive a framed copy, as well. Baldwin students, Tyler Rodriguez, Rochelle Saunders, Trevon Thompson, Jessica Darcy, Maekyla Massey, Jordan Hall, Gabriella Najdek, Chloe Grogan, Reyna Palmer, and Thalia Konteleon were there to accept the award and present at the summit.

The sessions were designed to help schools create safe and supportive learning environments for all students. Baldwin High School students presented on their “Agents of Social Change Initiative.”

“Seeing our Baldwin High School students presenting to hundreds of educational professionals and dignitaries was nothing short of extraordinary and a very proud moment for Baldwin,” said Shari L. Camhi, superintendent of schools for Baldwin Union Free School District. “The advocacy work that the Youth Change Leader Collaborative has accomplished on their own is highly impressive and truly inspirational. Every Tuesday after school, this dedicated group of high school students is conducting virtual meetings with high-level professionals from various organizations, strategizing on next steps, producing supporting documents and slide decks based on their extensive research, among other tasks. Dr. Franza and the efforts of our students should make us feel that much more hopeful for the future. I am confident that our students will absolutely make a difference in the world. I congratulate them on all their success.”

–Ben Fiebert