
photos: BCSD Communications
New York Governor Kathy Hochul invited Berlin seniors to attend a State of the State for Future Leaders at Hudson Valley Community College. Governor Hochul called the event on Monday, January 13th, a Future Leaders Fireside Chat and discussed proposed investments in education and youth mental health. Eighteen Berlin Mountaineers were among students from seven other districts in the Capital Region invited to the event.
Several Mountaineers were impressed and inspired by the local high school senior who monitored the event. The discussion included questions submitted by the students in attendance. The conversation ranged from investments in education, youth mental health, teen mental health first aid, and post-high school preparedness for both workforce paths and college readiness.
“I am so pleased that an invitation was extended to our Berlin high school students to join students from across the region to participate in the State of the State for Future Leaders,” said Berlin Superintendent, Dr. Maureen Long, who was also in attendance.
Throughout the discussion the Governor encouraged students to engage in school government and community service.
After the event, Governor Hochul took time for a photo opportunity and a meet-and-greet with those in attendance. During Berlin’s meet-and-greet, the governor commended Berlin seniors Madison Bell, BHS Student Council President/Student Representative for the Board of Education, and Haylee Jones, BHS Student Council Treasurer, for their commitment to their school through student government and the school board.
The Mountaineers in attendance were excellent ambassadors for the Berlin CSD during the event. “Thanks to Mr. Gould for coordinating the trip, the students were able to hear about proposed initiatives that could benefit them and see their government in action; it was a tremendous civics opportunity.” said Dr. Long.
Mr. Gould spoke with the Governor, sharing that Berlin CSD has been lucky to have had Senator Jake Ashby visit often, as well as Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, who visited a few months ago. Mr. Gould shared that the Governor said, “Berlin must be doing some good things,” to which Gould responded, “We are, and we are building future leaders for New York State.”
Mr. Gould thanks the school district’s administration for being supportive and making these opportunities a reality for the students of Berlin.
“Dr. Long and Mr. Bernsley have been important contributors to what we can do with civics at our school,” reflected Mr. Gould.
More information about what was discussed during the State of the State for Future Leaders Fireside Chat at HVCC can be found here
Photo Highlights BCSD Communications (Except for one group photo credited to Mike Groll Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)