Pelham Together's Youth Council Led an Amazing Town Hall on Trusted Adults
On April 29, Pelham Together’s Youth Council led a powerful town hall inviting the Pelham community to reflect on what it means to be a trusted adult for young people. The event brought together parents, educators, business owners, and community members for an evening of storytelling, conversation, and shared commitment to supporting Pelham’s youth.
Executive Director Laura Caruso kicked off the event by introducing Pelham Together’s new Youth Advocate (and PMHS alum) Olivia Ting. Olivia took it from there - speaking to the importance of centering the voices of young people, challenging adults to think critically about their role in fostering trust, and exploring how every adult in the community can make a meaningful difference by being someone’s trusted adult.
The heart of the event centered on seven student panelists: middle schoolers Penelope McGibbon and Addy McKee, and high schoolers Emily Walch, Skyler Austin, Zoe Fellner, Scarlett Hanlon, and Taya Senerchia. Each shared not only personal stories but insights about what makes an adult trustworthy—from listening without judgement or trying to fix, to showing up consistently, to creating spaces where young people feel welcome, safe and respected. Their words underscored that trust is built not by authority alone, but through empathy, humility, and genuine care.
The students also honored the trusted adults they had personally invited—including teachers, aunts, and community leaders and mentors—gifting them small tokens of appreciation during the event. This moment served as a powerful reminder of the quiet yet profound ways adults shape the confidence and well-being of the next generation.
Following the panel, attendees broke into small groups led by the high school panelists to discuss three guiding questions about how adults can show up for young people, even beyond their own families. The evening closed with a challenge to the community: to reflect on their role as trusted adults, to approach young people with openness and humility, and to carry the conversation beyond the room and into their daily lives.
The town hall reinforced a simple yet transformative truth: every young person deserves a trusted adult, and every adult has the capacity to be one.
As a next step, attendees were invited to support Pelham Overnight on June 13, an event designed to destigmatize mental health and celebrate trusted adults through youth-led programming.
Pelham Together thanks everyone who participated in this meaningful night of connection, reflection, and action.