By Shreya Prabhu
This week Greenwich Town Hall buzzed with energy and purpose as local students gathered for “Raising Voices,” a youth political fair organized by the First Selectman’s Youth Commission.
Group photo of students with town leaders at the Raising Voices event in town hall on May 22, 2025 in Greenwich Town Hall. Photo: Shreya Prabhu
Saki Sato participated in Raising Voices on May 22, 2025 in Greenwich Town Hall. Photo: Shreya Prabhu
Led by GHS junior Saki Sato (GHS ’26), the event offered 8th to 11th graders in Greenwich an opportunity to speak up about community issues they are passionate about, while engaging directly with local officials and leaders.
Raising Voices was a powerful example of student-led civic action where students proposed solutions to local problems, and demonstrated a commitment to shaping the future of their town.
Kate Berbit and Devyn Lyons participated in Raising Voices on May 22, 2205 in Greenwich Town Hall. Photo: Shreya Prabhu
The evening featured student presentations on a range of pressing concerns. Kate Berbit and Devyn Lyons (GHS ’26) addressed the long-overdue state of Greenwich High School’s bathrooms, which haven’t been updated since 1998.
They described broken sinks, inaccessible stalls, and compliance issues with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), proposing initiatives like “Adopt-a-Stall” and a school-wide “Penny Wars” fundraiser to fund improvements.
Aitana Rodriguez and Maria Dabbadie participated in Raising Voices on May 22, 2025 in Greenwich Town Hall. Photo: Shreya Prabhu
Aitana Rodriguez and Maria (Trini) Dabbadie (GHS ’27) spoke about the environmental damage caused by textile waste. Concerned about the lack of accountability in a consumer-driven society, they advocated for greater awareness around textile bin usage, utilizing sustainability calculators, and curriculum changes to emphasize environmental responsibility.
Allison Park, Chelsy Sitchon and Claire Sairo participated in Raising Voices on May 22, 2025 in Greenwich Town Hall. Photo: Shreya Prabhu
Chelsy Sitchon, Allison Park, and Claire Sario (GHS ’26) tackled the issue of school lunch reform, criticizing the focus on cost efficiency over nutrition.
They presented images of processed, low-nutrition meals served in school cafeterias, raised concerns about food waste, and recommended the creation of a Student Lunch Advisory Committee as well as partnerships with local farms to improve meal quality.
Rexton Lu participated in Raising Voices on May 22, 2025 in Greenwich Town Hall. Photo: Shreya Prabhu
Rexton Lu (GHS ’26) turned attention to an ecological threat— spotted lanternflies. He proposed more efficient and accessible methods for eliminating these invasive insects, including better strategies for destroying egg masses.
The fair also featured a panel of local leaders who encouraged the students and emphasized the vital role of youth in shaping local policy.
Among them were Demetria Nelson, Commissioner for the Department of Human Services; Selectwoman Lauren Rabin; Superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools Dr. Toni Jones; RTM member Joe Kelly; Kelley Gordon-Minott, Senior Director of Youth Development at the Greenwich YMCA; and Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan.
Raising Voices proved one thing loud and clear: The future of Greenwich is already speaking boldly, and with purpose.