The Marple Civic Association’s New Youth Board: Teens Taking Action

Our Community feature by Holly Stupak

Photos courtesy of Demetra D’Ambrosio

The 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.

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 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

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.”

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)

I’m really happy to be able to help the teens in our community to have better access to community service opportunities as well as safe social events during the pandemic,” added Leighann. “We’re also looking forward to extending the youth program to middle school children!

Marple Civic Board Member Mike Grassi also plans to oversee the youth board and looks forward to initiating a job-mentoring program. “We’d really like to work with high school students who are planning on an alternative to college,” said Mike. “We have several MCA board members who own their own business or work in one of the trade industries. We can use our experiences to show high school students what types of careers are available after high school.”

While adults will provide guidance, direction and program supervision, it is the youth who will ultimately define and lead it.

This is a great opportunity for high school students to take on leadership roles,” explained Demetra. “They’ve already proven themselves to be innovative and productive, and are savvy when it comes to communication.

This spring the Youth Board organized a “Make your Easter Egg-cellent” event, meal-packing events at Kids Against Hunger, and an Open Air Cinema night. They’re also planning an end of the school year bonfire. Through guest speakers and webinars, they’ll support teens by covering topics like antistress, mindfulness, wellness and nutrition. “The pandemic has affected teens in so many ways,” said Demetra. “They don’t have the same amount of interaction with teachers and coaches that they used to. The Youth Board can also be a support system by providing resources that can help their overall well being.” They already launched their first nutritional video in a bi-weekly series called Kitchen Chemistry: Table Talk with Terry, hosted by registered dietitian Terry Crossan, to give teens ideas for healthy recipes.

Youth Board Fundraising Chair, and President of the MNHS junior class, Joe Downs, has new ideas for teens to get involved in community service.

We are already planning on reaching out to senior citizens in the community who may need help," said Joe. "Our idea is that we would be able to shop and provide other services to the elderly who may not be able to leave their homes.

Any high school or middle school students or parents who live in Marple Newtown who want to volunteer can reach out by direct messaging the Civic Youth on Instagram (@marplecivicyouth) and Facebook. To find out how to become a sponsor, please visit the Marple Civic Association website (www.MarpleCivic.org).

We are really excited to bring people together!” said Marissa. “It’s a great opportunity to get involved and meet new people.