Brewster Senior Connects his Success Project to Youth Court Initiative

A Brewster High School student, Alex Romero, is connecting his Senior Success Project to meaningful community action through his work with the Putnam County Youth Council. As part of this project, Alex has partnered with Even Delfs, Youth Program Specialist for the council, to support the Youth Court Steering Committee, an initiative focused on improving road safety for young drivers.

Alex presented his work to the entire senior class, sharing how student voice and civic engagement can directly influence public safety efforts in the community. His presentation highlighted the goals of the Youth Court Steering Committee, which aims to reduce adverse traffic outcomes among 16 to 20-year-olds in Putnam County, including fatal and personal injury crashes, speed-related incidents, and arrests for driving while intoxicated.

The initiative takes a holistic approach to highway safety.

"Data from shows that young people who engage in risky driving behaviors are more likely to drive while impaired by alcohol or other substances,” said Alex, “the numbers from Putnam County are even higher than those from New York overall. By addressing risky behaviors together rather than in isolation, we hope to create long-term positive change.”

“This project is a powerful example of the incredible work our seniors are doing for their community beyond the classroom,” said Mrs. Corvino, Senior Success Project coordinator. “The Senior Success Project is intentionally designed to support students as they explore their interests, highlight the meaningful contributions they are making, and help them understand the direct impact of their work. Seeing students like Alex connect learning to real community needs is exactly what this experience is meant to do.”

Through his Senior Success Project, Alex has connected academic research, youth advocacy, and real-world policy work. His collaboration with the Putnam County Youth Council demonstrates how students can play an active role in identifying local challenges and contributing to solutions that benefit the broader community.

Alex’ work serves as an example of how experiential learning opportunities empower students to apply their skills beyond the classroom while strengthening partnerships between schools and local organizations to better our community.