Pelham Teens Advocate for Mental Health at the State Capitol

Four members of Pelham Together’s Youth Council headed to Albany on March 12, 2025 to participate in Mental Health Matters Day and meet with elected officials, Assembly Member Amy Paulin and Senator Nathalia Fernandez. The event was organized by Mental Health Association of New York State (MHANYS).

PMHS students —Skyler Austin (12th), Emily Walch (11th), Taya Senerchia (11th), and Joni Pulaj (10th)—joined advocates and other young people for a day of speakers, a rally, and private meetings with their legislators. Students prepared statements around certain pieces of legislation, shared personal stories, and urged their legislators to support certain bills. Of particular interest, was developing a suicide prevention policy and investing in mental health training for school staff. They were also asked for their thoughts and ideas around cell phones in school and how that relates to youth mental health. Both Senator Fernandez and Assembly Member Paulin encouraged them and asked questions, agreed to support particular efforts, and gave them ideas to pursue ongoing advocacy.

The day included getting announced on the floor of the Assembly with a resounding applause by the members and offering themselves as a resource in ongoing civic discussions around issues that directly impact them and their peers.

We spent the ride home coming up with the next phase in their plans to be the best advocates they can for the mental health and wellness of their peers in Pelham. They certainly made Pelham proud!!

This was the second year Pelham Together participated in this event, and we look forward to this being an annual tradition of youth civic engagement!