Young Sibling Star Student Filmmakers Who Are Making A Difference

MAMARONECK, NY — Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.

This submission comes from Sylva who nominated Abigail and Madeline of Larchmont-Mamaroneck. These two sisters, just 10- and 8-years-old have displayed not only impressive talents for storytelling, but also a spot-on sense of what makes us a community.

Star local student’s name

Abigail and Madeline

Star local student’s home state

New York

How do you know the star local student?

Family friend

Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?

Abigail and Madeline (ages 10 and 8) recently produced and directed a short film called 'Raise Your Voice' to celebrate and learn from local Black leaders in Mamaroneck and Larchmont. They wanted to learn more about their roles and experience, hopes for our community, and how kids could get more involved.

They interviewed three leaders: Leilani Yizar-Reid, the first Black woman to serve as a Trustee for the Village of Mamaroneck, Manny Rawlings, the youngest person to serve as a Trustee for the Village of Mamaroneck, and Andrene Smith, the first Black woman to serve on the Mamaroneck school board. Their film has been shown at the Mamaroneck and Larchmont libraries, and at the Murray Ave. elementary school, and was very well-received.

Abigail and Madeline should be recognized because their film raised greater awareness about three incredible local leaders and it helped to generate important conversations and community connections. Watching their film made me feel more personally connected to our community. Upon viewing it, a leader at their elementary school noted that the film highlighted important messages of local Black history and voices and enabled others to have very meaningful conversations about student voice and leadership.

As young people, Abigail and Madeline brought their valuable perspectives and hard work to the project. They did research, asked very thoughtful questions, led the interviews, did the editing, and the production process. Madeline even composed the closing song. The whole project was so well done.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?

Abigail and Madeline hope this project, 'Raise Your Voice' inspires other young people to raise their voices and to get involved in their own communities in whatever way is meaningful for them. They also hope it encourages other young people to reach out and talk to community leaders -- there is so much to learn and to celebrate in our community.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Abigail and Madeline!

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Know an outstanding student?

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