The future of water leadership was on full display as students from CHQ Kids Care attended the New York Water Event (NYWE) hosted by the New York Section American Water Works Association (NYSAWWA) from April 14th-16th. Surrounded by over a thousand water professionals from across the state, these students demonstrated that young people can play a meaningful role in shaping the future of clean water, environmental stewardship, and workforce development.
Five Chautauqua Lake Elementary students--Ella Yonkers, Hadley Olson, Alexis Parker, Eleanor Pender, and Oakley Smith--were invited to participate in the statewide conference as part of the NYS AWWA One Water Workforce Initiative, a statewide effort focused on building awareness, career pathways, and partnerships that ensure the next generation is prepared to protect and sustain our water systems. From operators and engineers to mayors, sales professionals, educators, and utility leaders, students had the opportunity to network with people from every part of the water industry. Students learned firsthand that delivering safe, reliable water takes teamwork across many careers and communities.
This conference served as an opportunity to showcase the work students are doing through the CHQ Kids Care Initiative, launched this past summer in collaboration with Chautauqua Lake Elementary Staff, Fawn Schuster and County Executive, PJ Wendel. CHQ Kids Care gives area youth a platform to share valuable information around topics that influence the quality of life in our region and beyond, including Life on Land, Protecting our Water, and Emergency Preparedness.
One of the highlights of the conference was a roundtable discussion where CHQ Kids Care members spoke directly with industry leaders about what inspires them, what concerns them about the future, and how communities can better engage youth in protecting natural resources. Their message was clear: Stay Curious. Stay Caring. Change Happens Drop by Drop. Students explained that when young people are given real opportunities to lead, learn, and serve, they rise to the challenge. According to Chautauqua Lake Elementary Principal, Megan Lundgren, “It was evident that our students’ passion sparked excitement and validation for the many professionals in attendance who have dedicated their careers to public service and educating others on the importance of healthy drinking water. The students breathed a whole new life into the conference, and certainly inspired adults in attendance to partner more with their own area schools.”
CHQ Kids Care also delivered a keynote presentation along with County Executive PJ Wendel and Fawn Schuster, that shared their journey of community service, water advocacy, and student-led impact. Their presentation reminded attendees that leadership does not depend on age, but rather those willing to act. “Giving students an authentic voice and purpose is key because these students are showing us that a single drop of caring can become a ripple, and a ripple can grow into a wave of momentum that raises awareness, inspires action, and creates real change,” states Schuster.
County Executive Wendel’s message resonated with attendees as he spoke about the importance of communities working together to solve shared challenges. He emphasized how regional collaboration, workforce readiness, and investing in young people are essential to long-term success. His continued support of CHQ Kids Care and the One Water Workforce initiative reflects a commitment to preparing the next generation while strengthening communities today.
“Being there in the room with CHQ Kids Care students at the New York Water Event was truly inspiring. I had the opportunity to see firsthand how confidently they engaged with professionals, shared their ideas, and stepped into leadership roles. These young people are not waiting for the future, they are already shaping it,” said Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel. “Their passion for protecting our water, their commitment to service, and their willingness to speak up should give all of us great confidence in what lies ahead. When we create opportunities like this and invest in our youth, we are building stronger communities and a more resilient future for Chautauqua County and New York State.”
An accompanying student-created video highlighted the power of the One Water Workforce vision: bringing communities, schools, businesses, and public leaders together to inspire students to see themselves as future problem-solvers, scientists, tradespeople, and civic leaders.
The leadership of New York Section American Water Works Association continues to champion youth engagement and workforce development through the One Water Workforce Initiative.
“Through NYSAWWA’s One Water Workforce initiative, our work with CHQ Kids Care is truly helping set a framework that can be replicated across the entire state. Every community depends on water, and without dedicated operators, there is no safe water—and no foundation for economic development. The more awareness we can bring to careers in the water industry, and the vital role these professionals play in protecting public health, the stronger our communities will be," said Jenny Ingrao-Aman, Executive Director, NYSAWWA. "We are incredibly proud of what CHQ Kids Care has done to help pave the way for One Water Workforce, and we look forward to continuing to grow this partnership. We’re also grateful to County Executive PJ Wendel for recognizing the importance of this effort and for being a strong
voice in advancing it.”
CHQ Kids Care’s attendance at NYWE was more than a field trip. It was a statement about what is possible when students are empowered to lead. By connecting youth with professionals, creating authentic learning experiences, and building bridges between generations, this initiative is helping secure the future of water in New York State. The students left the event with new relationships, deeper knowledge, and renewed purpose. The professionals left with something equally valuable: HOPE. Because the next generation is already stepping forward, one drop at a time. Visit chqgov.com/KidsCare to see how you can be part of shaping the future.
