Twenty Wareham High School students looking to make an impact in their community traveled to UMass Dartmouth for the sixth annual Youth Civic Engagement Summit on Thursday, April 17. The Summit aimed to “strengthen the social fabric of our community, region, and the Commonwealth.”

The keynote speaker was Carlos Ojeda Jr. who wrote the book, "The Power of Youth." As a Hispanic student with physical disabilities, Ojeda was told by many adults that he wouldn’t amount to anything.

Despite these negative messages, he did encounter some encouraging instruction. His father told him not to allow anyone to hide or ignore his voice, saying, "Your voice is your power."

That simple message gave birth to Ojeda’s Youth Engagement Company, which motivates students to serve. Due to this company, many students nationwide are volunteering and making a difference in their communities.

Wareham students went to workshops to learn how to start a club to improve communities. Approximately 300 students packed meals in 10,000 bags designated to feed poor children from Cambodia.

Wareham students already have clubs where students can volunteer such as the Global Education Team. Students that participated in this summit are bringing the message of student empowerment back to Wareham.

"It motivated me to do more in my community," said Sophomore Kylie Silva.

Sophomore Zariah Lima  added, "I want to go back next year and I want to help end hunger."