Sleepy Hollow Student Represents District on State Senate Youth Advisory Council

Sleepy Hollow High School junior Dylan Smith is making his voice heard as a Youth Advisory Council (YAC) member.

Led by New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the group brings together 50 high school students from the 35th Senate District who are helping shape the conversation on important community issues.

On September 29, Dylan attended the Senator’s third annual Community Resources Fair at the Yonkers Riverfront Library, where council members connected directly with local organizations, advocates, and community leaders. The event gave students the chance to explore opportunities in public service, human rights, environmental advocacy, and social justice, while learning how to make a positive impact close to home.

Dylan said the experience inspired him to continue finding ways to make a difference.

“We, the youth of America, have a responsibility to make the world a better place. It's so important that we get opportunities such as the Community Resources Fair to enhance our involvement in our communities,” he said. “Thanks to Senator Stewart-Cousins and all the wonderful organizations that we heard from at the fair, we have the chance to become better students, thinkers, members of society, and humans. One spark now can ignite a lifetime of activism and change.”

Representatives from more than a dozen Westchester-based organizations participated, including Feeding Westchester, Groundwork Hudson Valley, Hope’s Door, Family Service Society of Yonkers, Girls Inc., Neighbors Link, Nonprofit Westchester, Volunteer New York!, and the Westchester County Youth Bureau, among others.

“Each year, I am so impressed by the questions, ideas, and perspectives that my Youth Advisory Council members bring forward,” said Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “They are not just preparing for the future—they are shaping it now. This fair gives them the tools, connections, and confidence to turn their passion into action.”

Sleepy Hollow High School Principal Dr. Deborah Brand said Dylan’s participation reflects the district’s commitment to developing socially conscious and engaged students.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for student civic mindedness and to get young people involved in making meaningful social change,” Dr. Brand said. “ We are so proud of Dylan's participation and are confident that he will use some of the knowledge he gained to continue his work in our community and beyond.”

Dylan’s leadership serves as an inspiration to his peers and a reminder of the positive impact young people can have in their communities.