On Feb. 28, Ward Melville High School students Ananya Balaji (junior class representative) and Kaede Urso (secretary) participated in the 2025 Long Island Regional Student Forum at Western Suffolk BOCES. As members of the Ward Melville Student Government Executive Board, they joined peers from more than 40 Long Island school districts in student-led discussions addressing key issues affecting schools today, including mental health, school environments, academic pressure and educational methods.

Ananya and Kaede did a phenomenal job representing the Three Village community, engaging in open and honest conversations with a diverse group of students. Their insights and perspectives will be shared with administrators from their respective districts and New York State, ensuring that student voices are considered in shaping educational policies.

The forum provided an invaluable opportunity for students to connect, collaborate and contribute to meaningful discussions. By the end of the event, participants gained a renewed sense of pride and appreciation for the connections they made and the impact of their voices in the larger educational landscape.

Date Added: 3/19/2025