Making change in their community

  • Posted June 6, 2024
Student discusses his social justice project with several students lined up to listen

Attention public policymakers: You might want to consult an Albany High School student as you explore ways to confront challenges in our community.

On Thursday, some 27 Albany High seniors taking Civics and Public Engagement showcased their year-long projects tackling social justice issues that are important to them. Subjects they analyzed ranged from school safety to mental health to immigration to human rights.

The students – taught by Pete Anderson, Jesse LaPolla, Luke Quinn and Amanda Weklar – gathered in the Albany High auditorium to share their work with fellow students, staff and community members. Students received guidance from People's Perception Project and the Albany NAACP as they developed their proposals.

The social justice project is a key requirement for earning a Seal of Civic Readiness on a high school diploma.

The students and their areas of study follow. 

  • Alejandro Benitez and Farkhonda Rezai – homelessness in Albany
  • Hannah Bolio and Abda Toumboum – gun violence
  • Kidisha Charles – school safety
  • Alex Ciampolillo – redlining
  • Jahzara Gray and Maleek Williams – Capital Region community resources
  • Kendall Hunt and Johnny Williams – challenges after incarceration
  • Izzy Hypnarowski – sex education
  • Ei Chaw Khant – green space on urban roots
  • Ashkay Kumar and Nianna Tatro – cleaning up Albany, literally
  • Josh Marx – law enforcement and community
  • Akiliah McKenzie – mental health
  • Shanyah McNeil and Nolan Sweet – environmental justice
  • Pyew Meh – the green initiative
  • Kercel Montes – addressing violence in school
  • Gema Pinela Valez, Jarett Pinela Valez and Gemary Soto Montoya – immigration
  • Leann Registe – homelessness and permanent housing
  • Emely Rodriguez – human rights and immigration help
  • Rey Rodriguez – youth vote
  • Samira Sefadine Ismail – human rights
  • Esperanzo Soto – mental health in schools

Check out a Facebook photo album from the showcase. (You don't need a Facebook account to see the photos linked in the highlighted text. A window may appear that says, "To see more from Albany City Schools on Facebook, log on or create an account,” but you can dismiss it by clicking “not now.”)