The future of water leadership was on full display as students from CHQ Kids Care recently attended the New York Water Event (NYWE) hosted by the New York Section American Water Works Association (NYSAWWA). Surrounded by more than 1,000 water professionals from across the state, these students demonstrated that young people can play a meaningful role in shaping the future of clean water, environmental stewardship, and workforce development.
Five Chautauqua Lake Elementary students -- Ella Yonkers, Hadley Olson, Alexis Parker, Eleanor Pender and Oakley Smith -- were invited to participate in the statewide conference as part of the NYS AWWA One Water Workforce Initiative, a statewide effort focused on building awareness, career pathways, and partnerships that ensure the next generation is prepared to protect and sustain our water systems. From operators and engineers to mayors, sales professionals, educators, and utility leaders, students had the opportunity to network with people from every part of the water industry. Students learned firsthand that delivering safe, reliable water takes teamwork across many careers and communities.
This conference served as an opportunity to showcase the work students are doing through the CHQ Kids Care Initiative, launched this past summer in collaboration with Chautauqua Lake Elementary Staff, Fawn Schuster, and County Executive P.J. Wendel. CHQ Kids Care gives area youth a platform to share valuable information around topics that influence the quality of life in our region and beyond, including life on land, protecting our water, and emergency preparedness.
