Students attended as a part of the CHQ Kids Care Initiative, which was 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 the local region and beyond, including “Life on Land”, “Protecting Our Water”, and “Emergency Preparedness”.

The conference was held from April 14 to 16. Elementary students that attended were Ella Yonkers, Hadley Olson, Alexis Parker, Eleanor Pender, and Oakley Smith, participating 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 the world’s 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.

A highlight for students that attended the conference was a roundtable discussion, giving CHQ Kids Care members a chance to speak 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. The overall message was “Stay Curious. Stay Caring. Change Happens Drop by Drop,” and students were able to explain that when young people are given real opportunities to lead, learn, and serve, they can rise to the challenge.

“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,” Chautauqua Lake Elementary Principal, Megan Lundgren said. “The students breathed a whole new life into the conference, and certainly inspired adults in attendance to partner more with their own area schools.”

Students were given the opportunity to meet with and present to people from all parts of the water industry.

CHQ Kids Care also delivered a keynote presentation along with Wendel and Schuster, that shared their journey of community service, water advocacy, and student-led impact, reminding 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,” Schuster said.

In Wendel’s message to attendees, 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.

For Chautauqua Lake officials, 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,” Wendel said. “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.”

Five Chautauqua Lake Elementary students recently attended the New York Water Event as part of the CHQ Kids Care Initiative, a partnership between the school, County Executive PJ Wendel and Fawn Schuster.

Wendel praised the five elementary students for their passion for protecting the world’s water and natural resources.

“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,” Wendel said. “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.”

A student-created video also accompanied the presentation, highlighting the One Water Workforce vision to bring communities, schools, businesses and public leaders together to inspire students to see themselves as future problem-solvers, scientists, tradespeople, and civic leaders. The NYS AWWA’s leadership focuses on continuing to champion youth engagement and workforce development through the One Water Workforce Initiative.

“Through NYS AWWA’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,” Jenny Ingrao-Aman, Executive Director of NYS AWWA said. “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.”

Ingarao-Aman also praised the work of the kids of CHQ Kids Care.

“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,” she said. “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.”

Chautauqua Lake officials said that having CHQ Kids Care attend the NYWE was a statement about what can be possible when students are given the ability to lead, connect with professionals, create authentic learning experiences and build bridges between generations. Students were able to leave the event with new relationships, deeper knowledge, and renewed purpose, and professionals were able to leave with hope for the future and the next generation.

For more information on CHQ Kids Care, visit chqgov.com/KidsCare.