Three of the cabinet members for the 2024-25 Chester County Student Forum sat together awaiting the kick-off of the celebratory banquet. Pictured from left to right are Romello Wilson (secretary), Anne Zhu (president), and Abigail Hood (treasurer).
High school students from across Chester County came together in May to celebrate the culmination of the 2024-25 Chester County Student Forum with a banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn in Exton. The event highlighted not only the inspiring message of the keynote speaker, but more importantly, the voices and accomplishments of the students themselves.
This year, students took charge in shaping the forum experience. From launching new debate formats to strengthening school-to-school connections, the student cabinet brought innovation and passion to every meeting.
Abigail Hood, a senior from Avon Grove High School and student forum treasurer, reflected on the journey: “It was great; I enjoyed it. I feel like I got to make a huge impact on students, and it was eye-opening for me to be on the cabinet as opposed to just being in the student forum like I was last year.”
Recognizing the forum’s growing membership, the student cabinet shifted from open discussions to structured debates—an initiative that reshaped the forum’s engagement strategy.
“We realized early on that the old format wasn’t working. So, we introduced debates,” said Hood. “It was a group effort, but it forced me to think outside the box and come up with new ideas to engage people. I feel like that developed my leadership skills.”
This year’s topics touched on real-life issues, including student mental health, cell phone bans, and the impact of artificial intelligence on education. Students not only shared perspectives but often switched sides mid-debate to better understand opposing viewpoints.
Keynote speaker Marianne Martelli, of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry, reinforced this commitment to open dialogue: “I hope they heard loud and clear that their voices matter. Everything that they think and do matters… and they should never hold back, never not offer an opinion on what affects their lives,” Martelli said. “They are learning valuable skills that they can apply for a lifetime. That makes a better world.”
The banquet served as both a celebration and a reflection in which students spoke about the friendships forged, leadership honed, and their deeper understanding of the diversity within Chester County schools.
“I think my favorite aspect is hearing everyone’s experiences… people who live an hour away from me and have entirely different experiences in school than I do,” Hood said. “That puts me in other people’s shoes and improves my skills and other aspects of my life.”
“This year’s cabinet truly rose to the occasion,” said Kathy Gurnee, special events coordinator for the CCIU. “They brought in new ideas, led with compassion, and opened their minds to different perspectives. I hope the friendships and understanding they’ve built this year continue long after they graduate.”
Hood echoed that sentiment, noting that the work behind the scenes was just as impactful as what happened in the meetings: “Put in the work and effort, and work as a team. You are not separate members; you are a cabinet.”
As this year’s seniors prepare to graduate, their legacy remains: a student forum that is more vibrant, inclusive, and connected than ever before.
The Chester County Student Forum is comprised of student leaders from public, non-public, and charter schools across the county. Facilitated by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) and sponsored by the Children’s Fund of Chester County, the forum provides a platform for students to engage in thoughtful discussion, explore leadership opportunities, and learn from one another through monthly meetings. To learn more about the Chester County Student Forum, please visit www.cciu.org/student-forum.
