On December 6, four members of the Gender-Sexuality Alliance Club (GSA) traveled to Bergen Community College to attend the Bergen County Seeds of Change Youth Leadership GSA Summit 2024. All Bergen County schools with GSA Clubs participated in the event. 

This was NVOT’s seventh year attending this event. GSA club advisor, NVOT Wellness Coordinator, and School Psychologist Lydia Greco said, “I think it is very important to attend as it allows students to make friends with peers at other local schools.”

At the summit, students discussed and learned about how to serve the LGBTQ+ community within their respective areas. The summit featured leadership discussions and equipped students with tools and resources to be a positive influence in their community.

Advocating for community rights is important to GSA members. Junior Jake Ellengold said, “I feel more empowered to go out as an advocate for what I believe in.”

GSA hopes to return to the event in future years. Senior Liam McCormack said, “I advise any future members of the GSA and allies at NVOT to take advantage of this amazing opportunity as soon as possible. I would want nothing more than to see more representation of NVOT at this great event in the years to come.”