The 4^th Student Voices, Student Choices, was a huge success! On November 24, six Otsego County high schools presented solutions to local needs before an enthusiastic audience at the Slade Theater, Yager Hall, Hartwick College.

The variety of local needs was as varied as the communities themselves:

• Milford spoke about the need for more books and increased literacy among their fellow students;

• Cherry Valley-Springfield relayed the story of a cancelled Halloween due to a rabies outbreak and the need for vaccinations for pets in their community;
• Unatego saw the need for mental health awareness and support within their school community;
• The Otsego Christian Academy addressed increased need at the Otego Food Pantry in light of the government shutdown and cutback in SNAP benefits;
• Edmeston presented an innovative idea of a mobile hygiene trailer to address the need for hygiene products in surrounding communities, and;

• Morris presented a year long calendar of events to build a stronger community.

“Every presentation was full of community spirit, student enthusiasm, and good positive attitudes towards helping others,” said one audience member. One school advisor “was especially impressed with the number of projects that had an impact beyond the school and truly reached the community level.”

Each project received $2,500 in funding from the Community Foundation of Otsego. Due to the generosity of sponsors, such as Platinum Sponsor NYCM Insurance, every team is guaranteed to be able to have a positive impact simply by participating in Student Voices, Student Choices.

While every team received the same funding, the students from Unatego took home the coveted trophy, theirs to display for the next year. Unatego was the fourth unique winner since Student Voices, Student Choices began in 2022 (previous winners: Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, Cherry Valley-Springfield, and Schenevus).

“Each year, the students’ focus has become more clearly aligned to real community needs,” commented 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!”

The 5^th annual Student Voices, Student Choices will take place in November 2026, with Worcester, Schenevus, Oneonta, Cooperstown, Richfield Springs, Laurens, and Gilbertsville-Mount Upton schools slated to participate.

“Student Voices, Student Choices is the highlight of the Community Foundation of Otsego County’s year,” said Executive Director Jeff Katz. “It’s a thrill to be able to meet and work with the future of Otsego County.”