The Marple Civic Youth Board

Making a Difference in Our Community

Our Community Written by Holly Stupak

Photos courtesy of Demetra D’Ambrosio

The year 2021 forced many students to not only attend school virtually, it left them missing out on many events that they typically look forward to as a rite of passage. But instead of complaining when things were canceled, one group of local teens took the initiative to bring people together. In fact, they made it their motto: Teens Taking Action. In collaboration with the Marple Civic Association, six Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) students served on the Marple Civic Youth (MCY) Executive Board to create safe events for teens that benefitted the whole Marple community.

Since it was founded in early 2021, the MCY has proven that teens have the power to make a difference. Not only did they organize numerous successful events, they learned valuable skills in the process. With all of the executive board members (Dom Carafa, Marissa D’Ambrosio, Joe Downs, Kaley Musi and Christian Sessa and Morgan Hopson) graduating this spring, it’s now time to pass the torch down to the next group of young leaders.

The incoming Marple Civic Youth Board

Marple Newtown High School senior Marissa D’Ambrosio founded the group and served as its President. “What was great about Marple Civic Youth was not only did I make lifelong friends, I was able to build confidence and learn skills that will help me in college and beyond,” said Marissa, who is heading to the University of Pittsburgh in August.

Demetra D’Ambrosio, Marissa’s mother and the parent advisor for the group, said that although there was adult supervision, ultimately the teens were responsible for organizing all of the events.

“They really learned some critical life skills,” she said. “From advocating for themselves to learning technical skills and understanding fundraising, they learned they were capable of putting together events on their own. I was so impressed by them!

Dom Carafa said that his role as the group's youth Chair, overseeing middle school members and helping them get involved with ideas and events, taught him valuable skills. After high school, Dom is looking forward to playing baseball at a college in Florida and can take the skills he learned from the MCY and apply them in college and beyond.

Serving on the group's board definitely helped with my communication skills,” said Dom. “It also taught me a lot about prioritizing my work and being organized.

The group met monthly to brainstorm ideas for events that could bring teens together to socialize and also meet the needs of the community. Events like the Dodgeball Tournament, Field Day and an “Egg-Cellent” Easter Egg Hunt event were well received by the Marple Community, especially when many events were canceled.

Marple Civic Youth Board at the Junior Prom in 2021

Hosting a Dodgeball Tournament for the middle schoolers was so much fun,” said Christian Sessa, who served as the Vice President. “Seeing all of the smiles on the kids' faces was very rewarding!

When local junior proms had to be canceled in the spring of 2021 due to the pandemic, the MCY organized an outdoor prom at a local swim club for any local high school junior to attend. It was not only beautiful but a big success and appreciated by the teens in the community who otherwise would not have had a prom. MNHS senior Morgan Hopson said the MCY’s junior prom and reputation in the community inspired her to join the group and eventually serve as its publicity chair.

Serving on the MCY board really taught me leadership skills,” she said. “I realized how important it was to be a role model and mentor to the younger members.

The new board members have already proven themselves to be leaders. They’ve been instrumental in planning several spring 2022 events, including this year’s “Egg-Cellent” Easter Event, a Pizzeria Uno Fundraiser, a Prom Dress sale, an essential items collection for Ukrainian refugees and an 8th-grade Graduation Dance. The MCY was also able to award an MCY member with $250 scholarships. After applications were reviewed by the Vice Presidents and Managers of Republic Bank and Citizens Bank, Marissa was selected as the recipient due to her vision, service and outstanding leadership for creating and leading the MCY.

The 2021-2022 Marple Civic Youth Executive Board (L-R) Dom Carafa, Marissa D’Ambrosio, Joe Downs, Kaley Musi and Christian Sessa (missing from photo: Morgan Hopson)

“It’s been an honor to have been part of this group of leaders,” said social media Chair Kaley Musi. “It was fun and rewarding to give back to the community.”

The best thing about these events in the community is that everyone is welcome,” added Dom. “No matter where you come from, building new connections is always important.

For more information on how to volunteer with Marple Civic Youth, reach out by directly messaging the Civic Youth on Instagram (@MarpleCivicYouth) and Facebook.