As a Marion sophomore and a Wayne County Youth Voice leader, Ashley Osborn hasn’t just figured out the importance of including every voice, she’s making it happen. 

Whether it’s initiating conversations in her school or coordinating events for students across Wayne County, Ashley has jumped into the conversation with both feet as she works to ensure as many students as possible have the opportunity to be part of the process.

“It’s very important,” she said. “Every decision that’s made will impact youth because we’re the ones in the schools so it’s important our voices are included.”

It’s that attitude, and action, that make Ashley this year’s recipient of the WARE/MLK Student Service Award. Wayne Action for Racial Equity, based in Sodus dedicated to racial equity, presented Ashley with a plaque to recognize her efforts.

For Ashley, the effort toward equity comes in helping students overcome barriers. Whether it’s race, language, transportation or finance, the goal of having everyone included is best achieved when all perspectives are included.

“So many situations are different,” she said. “From Marion to Sodus and all across Wayne County, we have different demographics so we need to focus on what we’re all trying to do, not just the top students.”

It starts with conversations, which is why Ashley has been part of the Elevating Student Voices project at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES. There, she facilitated community-building circles that fostered honest dialogue about peer relationships and belonging. 

“Through thoughtful facilitation and active listening, Ashley helped unify students with different experiences and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding,” reads one nomination form on behalf of Ashley for the WARE recognition. “Beyond her formal leadership roles, Ashley consistently demonstrates compassion and service to those in need.”

Another nomination form pointed to Ashley’s work with Wayne County Youth Voice Leaders. 

“Ashley has worked intentionally to address racial and social injustice. She has taken the initiative to learn about inequities in our community and has translated that learning into action.”

That action was the planning and facilitation of the Youth Leadership Forum, an event at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES that supported the goal of “elevating the voices of others and expanding access to conversations around equity, opportunity and inclusion.”

Marion CSD is proud of Ashley and the leadership role she has taken not just in school, but in the community as well!