Northeastern Community Action Partnership’s 8th Annual Youth Summit was held on March 5, 2026, at The Capital Center of Albany.

Berlin Middle High School had nine students in attendance, along with BMHS staff members Ms. Shayna Davner, Ms. Montgomery-Breh, and Ms. Marbot.

The students heard engaging speakers and visited with exhibitors who shared their knowledge on topics like substance abuse, mental health, and making positive choices. The event gave the student leaders a sense of community in their mission to become better-informed peer leaders.

The Mountaineers heard empowering messages, exchanged ideas, and connected with other student leaders and community groups from across the region.

Engaging and empowering students of the Capital District is the goal of the Youth Summit hosted by the Northeastern Community Action Partnership (NECAP).

Some of the students who attended the summit are members of Berlin High School’s SADD organization. SADD stands for Students Against Destructive Decisions, a much broader campaign than the Students Against Drunk Driving SADD initiative first launched back in 1981. These students are part of a national organization whose mission is to educate their peers about the dangers of destructive decisions, including the dangers and harms of bullying and being a bystander, and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

Ms. Shayna Davner, Berlin Middle High School Student Assistance Counselor, arranged the trip for the district and is SADD’s advisor. If you are a student who is interested in joining this group or looking for support, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Davner, BMHS’ Student Assistance Counselor, at sdavner@berlincentral.org.

Keep up the great work Mountaineers: MacKenzie Lowell, Penelope Haas, Jameson Hawkins, Asia Mabee, Ava Amuso, Rylee Colantonio, Lydia Morgan, Damon Vickery, and Tamaz Devine!