Olivia Senall, an ACHS junior, was named to the 1st Amendment-1st Vote Board of Directors, a statewide program to encourage girls to participate in the political process. She will be one of four student representatives statewide to the board. As a student representative, she has to attend three board meetings.

1st Amendment-1st Vote, Inc is a unique, interactive "outside-the-classroom" enrichment program that aligns with NYS Social Studies Standards to create experiential learning opportunities for high school girls to be active leaders engaged in the American political process and provides students with a “foundational tool kit” to run for elected office. 

Amherst CHS is a founding member of this organization which partners with the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women. Amherst Central is one of six high schools in the Western New York region participating in the program. Other schools are Chautauqua Lake Central, Frewsburg Central and all three Williamsville Central high schools.

She found out about the board opportunity from her social studies teacher Anne Ward.

“I thought it sounded interesting. They asked for qualities about yourself and why you want to do it,” said Olivia. “I wanted to do it because it is important for women to know how they can have a say in politics and I found my AP U.S. History class very interesting. I liked their goal to help girls have a say in politics and wanted to learn more about that.”

Her future plans involve college and career goals of working in either architecture or government environmental issues. At Amherst CHS, she’s involved with the track team and orchestra and belongs to the mental health awareness club and French club.