Three students proudly represented Cohoes High School at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady during the Elevating Student Voices (EVS) Youth Summit on April 29.
EVS is a Capital Region BOCES initiative designed to empower regional students to discuss critical issues like mental health, racism, and school safety. The program fosters student-led dialogue and action to create more equitable school environments
Senior Theadora Avramidis and juniors Hibah Junaid and Jack Abdul had the opportunity to share how they are making a difference within their school community by promoting acceptance and understanding of differences. These discussions ranged from racial, cultural, and neurodivergent differences, while emphasizing that although we may all be different, we are still one community.
Hibah was also asked to participate on the panel, where she spoke about how students can make a difference and positively impact the entire school community.
“Being in a room full of like-minded people was really refreshing; proof that others like me are actively creating spaces where diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just ideas, but real opportunities.”
They were accompanied to the event by Assistant Principal Darnell Douglas, who said he especially valued the opportunity to see students take on leadership roles, share their voices, and engage in meaningful conversations about inclusion and community.
“It was great to be a part of this program, and I learned a lot from the students’ involvement and leadership throughout the event.”