Local William Floyd High Students Shine in National YMCA Competition with Community-Focused Projects

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Two student projects from William Floyd High School have been selected for the YMCA Changemakers Project competition. This national event allows students from across the U.S., including all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, to present solutions for major community issues. These projects are the only ones chosen from New York State and are among 40 selected nationwide.

The first project, led by juniors Mathew Reis and Alice Chen, aims to reduce nitrogen pollution from stormwater runoff on Long Island. This pollution contributes to environmental problems like algal blooms and reduced ozone levels. Their solution is to install rain gardens in public spaces, which can cut nitrogen levels by up to 40%, reduce runoff, prevent flooding, and provide habitats for pollinators. These gardens are also low maintenance and cost-effective.

The second project, created by Hiba Farooq and Kaitlyn Corn, focuses on reversing the decline of native pollinators. They plan to enhance the seed program at the local library by adding educational materials about pollinators and distributing seed bundles to the community. This effort aims to boost pollinator activity and awareness.

Both teams will travel to Washington D.C. to represent New York at the YMCA Changemakers conference. This event is a competition and a chance for participants to develop leadership skills, share ideas, and explore the capital. At the end of the conference, three teams will receive $5,000 each to implement their projects in their communities.