Liz Wright has found her voice – but something tells us it’s been there all along. As the senior prepares for a future career in politics, she’s taking a more active role in her school and community. A position as the ex officio student Board of Education member and participation in New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s Youth Council has ignited Liz’s passion for advocacy and diplomacy.
It was a trip to Washington D.C. last school year through the Close Up program that motivated Liz to pursue a future in political science. The five-day trip is structured to give high school students exposure to the workings of the United States government, ultimately encouraging them to become active citizens. Liz knew then that if she was going to make a difference, she had to start at the local level.
“Seeing our lawmakers in Washington, D.C., I decided that I could work in politics. I could be the person making decisions,” said Liz. “I can envision myself in this realm of society as a lobbyist or diplomat.”
In spring 2025, Liz was approached by Principal Becky Belkota to apply for the role of the District’s first-ever ex officio student Board of Education member. It had previously been announced by Governor Hochul that each high school in the state would select one student as a non-voting board member. The overall goal is to give students a voice in the decision-making process through a peer representative.
Once appointed, Liz began working with Principal Belkota on matters that are important to students. One such topic was the bell-to-bell cellphone ban that started with the new school year. The pair developed a plan to give students ways to bond without using technology. Ping pong tables, cornhole boards, and other board games are now located in one half of the cafeteria and available during study halls and lunch periods.
“I think the setup is going pretty well. I was worried at first about no one having their cell phones, but we’re getting used to it,” said Liz. “At lunch, everyone is rushing through eating so they can go play. The kids are also doing well at taking turns.”
As a student-athlete, a member of Drama Club, National Honor Society, Travel Club, and Yearbook Club, and Class of 2026 treasurer, Liz believes she is adequately connected to PCS student life to give the Board an accurate depiction of what’s important to her peers.
“Our Board has never had a representative who is a current student. They don’t necessarily know how students feel,” said Liz. “The Board is a great group. They make me laugh and I feel very welcomed by them.”
Liz has been a member of the Wyoming County Youth Court for four years and, during an advocacy trip to Albany last school year, she first heard about Governor Hochul’s Youth Council. At the time, Liz jokingly commented that she’d be interested in earning a spot on the council, which aims to engage youth in state government and creates a platform for their voices and opinions to be heard by state lawmakers. Little did the senior know that within weeks of being selected as the ex officio Board member, she’d also be named Wyoming County’s and Western New York’s representative on Youth Council.
“I panicked a little bit,” joked Liz. “I wanted to make one of the positions but didn’t expect to get both.”
Council members serve one-year terms, for a maximum of three terms. Liz meets virtually with the other members monthly to discuss pertinent topics affecting youth. The current discussion is about the availability of mental health and substance abuse prevention resources for teens. Her role on Youth Council makes Liz feel like she’s giving her community a voice in Albany. As a leader in her school, Liz would like to bring more focus to teaching financial literacy.
“I took a Career and Educational Planning course last year with Mrs. Kramell and I was shocked by the number of kids who don’t have bank accounts, etc.,” said Liz.
As she looks ahead, Liz is exploring Hartwick College, SUNY Potsdam, and Alfred University for next year. While she sometimes feels that her goals are like reaching for the stars, Liz is excited for her future. She sees herself as an aid to a senator or representative or a diplomat.
“I’m looking forward to feeling that my voice is being heard.”