MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y., Nov. 12, 2025 — The Livingston County Youth Bureau has selected Mount Morris High School junior Savannah Ebersole to represent the County on the New York State Governor’s Youth Council.
The Youth Council brings together 62 young people, ages 13-21, from every county across New York State to act as liaisons between local youth and state government. Members work directly with state lawmakers to address key issues affecting the state’s younger population, such as mental health, education, and substance use prevention.
The position represents a chance to share the firsthand challenges and lived experiences of youth in a rural county with those in a position to create policies around them, said Mary Guldenschuh, deputy director of the Livingston County Youth Bureau, which recruits and selects County candidates for the council.
“This is a chance for adults and youth to work together in partnership, learn from each other and share their stories to map a path that leads to healthy, productive, and responsible communities,” she explained. “While adults can draw upon their lived experiences, their childhood is rooted in a past that is decades old. Youth are experiencing things as they are now. When we amplify youth voice, we develop children rooted in confidence and ready to lead others.”
Ebersole is the third Livingston County resident to serve on the Governor's Youth Council since its inception in 2020. As a Youth Council member, she will participate in regional and statewide meetings several times each month focused on positive youth development. She and the other members will gain firsthand experience with the democratic process by taking an active, hands-on role in government.
“I've always been passionate about raising up voices that otherwise wouldn't have the same opportunity to be heard,” explained Ebersole. “And of course, being young myself, I believe so many young people have a lot to offer society that people in power often try to ignore. I'm excited to continue my journey of advocacy on a larger scale than I ever have before, and I'm so grateful I was given the opportunity to do so.”
Among her priorities for the council, the 16-year-old Mount Morris resident plans to strongly advocate for the prevention and proper treatment of substance use disorders. She hopes to draw attention to the effects these disorders can have on the children and families involved.
“Being the child of an addict myself has given me knowledge and passion around this subject, so I believe I would be the most useful in educating others and ideally lessening the stigma that often comes along with addiction,” shared Ebersole. “In my experience, children of people who struggle with addiction are often left to feel guilty for not having a ‘normal’ childhood, despite not having any control over the situation. Advocating for better treatment options and providing support for those who are already affected would not only encourage people to recover, but also reduce the sense of isolation that sprouts from having an addicted family member.”
Ebersole’s significant involvement in both her school and community made her an ideal choice for the role, said Guldenschuh. She is the top student in her class and has been named Student of the Month by school officials several times already this year. Her extracurricular activities include the Spanish Club, Key Club, and Social Justice Club, as well as participation in National Honor Society, band, cheerleading, and track.
Outside of the classroom, Ebersole has volunteered her time at the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, the County’s four-star nursing facility, participated in community events like Breakfast with Santa, and contributed nearly 80 volunteer hours at The Learning Web, a youth exploration camp that works to prepare kids for adulthood. She is an active member of her local church, attending youth classes and participating in services. Ebersole is also a recipient of the Youth Bureau’s 2025 Teen Recognition Award for her community involvement, outstanding leadership capabilities, and positive influence on others.
This past summer, Ebersole received a full scholarship to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) World Leadership Conference in Chicago. There she met with fellow students from around the world with the goal of becoming more confident, caring leaders, and active global citizens.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.