Our Community
The Marple Civic Association’s New Youth Board:
Teens Taking Action by Holly Stupak Photos courtesy of Demetra D’Ambrosio
T
he past year of social distancing and quarantining has been hard on everyone, especially high school students. So many typical activities that students looked forward to like parties and proms, music and academic competitions, and sporting events were canceled. One group of local teens has found a way to offer safe, fun and all inclusive ways to hang out with friends. Through the Marple Civic Association Youth Board, also known as Teens Taking Action, teens can plan positive activities and make a difference in their community.
with friends,” said Marissa. “I wanted to find a way that teens could come together and have a safe place to get involved, get out of the house and meet people.” Because the Marple Civic Association had already been established in 2020, they were a perfect fit for the Youth Board, who pitched the idea to Marple Civic in January. Steve Reynolds, Executive Director for the Marple Civic Association (MCA), said Marple Civic was already talking about getting youth involved in their organization when the group of students approached them. “It’s really a perfect fit,” said Steve. “I was so impressed with these young men and women who want to get involved and help out the community.”
The Marple Civic Youth Board with the Advisors Top row: Steve Reynolds, Leighann Cirillo, Mike Grassi, Demetra D’Ambrosio Seated: Dom Carafa (Community Service & Politics Chair, Carly Maclaughlin (Vice-President & Photography Chair) Christian Sessa (Publicity & Social Media Chair), Joe Downs (Fundraising Chair) Marissa D’Ambrosio (President)
Marissa D’Ambrosio, a junior at MNHS, had the idea to establish a youth group in Marple. “Since the pandemic started, a lot of high school students are having trouble staying connected Ask about OUR NEW Cleaning & Surface Protection!
In addition to Marissa, who will serve as Youth Board President, the Youth Board includes MNHS high school students Carly MacLaughlin (Vice-President and Photography Chair), Dom Carafa (Community Service and Politics Chair), Christian Sessa (Publicity and Social Media Chair), and Joe Downs (Fundraising Chair). The group will also have two parent moderators, Demetra D’Ambrosio and Leighann Cirillo. “This past year, many of our children have experienced a fundamental loss. They’ve really had to grieve for some of the opportunities they’ve missed,” said Demetra. “But instead of complaining, this group of students took initiative and figured out how they can bring other kids together in a safe and fun environment.”
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