Age: 16

Bio: My name is Alexander and I prefer the nickname Xander or Alex. I am a soon-to-be Junior and I am working towards entering college for programming or robotics in order to pursue my passions as a game-designer or to utilize my talents in mathematics and logic. Currently, I am passionate about building a stronger and more accepting culture within my community. My experiences in FFI have shown me that I want to focus on connecting with others and experiencing new activities and talents that I would not normally have the opportunity or motivation to access.

How has FFI impacted your approach to leadership?
It has made me more confident and empathetic toward others as a leader. It has also impacted my approach to communicating with my teammates and learning how to initiate things.

Who are you a role model for?
The only people I am a role model for are my close friends who respect me.

What are two community issues you’re passionate about?
Unaccepting environments, local pollution

Age: 16

Bio: My name is Caitlin, I play field hockey, I work at Old Navy, and I am part of my school’s glow club and art club. 

How has FFI impacted your approach to leadership?
It has helped me see that there can be many different types of leadership and not one specific type.

Who are you a role model for?
I'm a role model for the new kids on my field hockey team. I try to help teach the new kids how to play the sport overall and find what they like

What are two community issues you’re passionate about?
Negative and hostile environments, access to fruits and vegetables

Age: 15

Bio: I’m Charlotte, I’m 15 years old. I don’t really know much about my community. My mom is in the booster club, so it really has an effect on my sports, which is great because  I get to see my mom and it helps improve and show support for the athletes.

How has FFI impacted your approach to leadership? 
Stepping up and stepping down I hear the team and the problem taking control of what I can take control I feel like I have made progress in being a better leader​

Who are you a role model for?
My younger self, my family and friends and those around me

What are two community issues you're passionate about?
Access to healthy foods, drug regulation

Age: 16

Bio: Hi my name is Desmond DeRoy I am 16 1/2 years old. I am a tenth grader. I am a very hard-working student, I have great grades, and I will be graduating a year early due to my studies and grades. I have enough credits to graduate next June 2025 instead of 2026. I also take college classes outside of school, along with VLACS courses. I am in the Chess Club and love playing a great game with anyone who's up for it. I do some volunteer work when I am able, although I'd like to do more. I'm also looking to find & start my first job this summer. Iplan on going overseas to university after I graduate next year I want to be a psychologist and open my own office and helppeople, as I love talking with others once we open up and feelcomfortable.

How has FFI impacted your approach to leadership? 
By opening myself up a little more to others.

Who are you a role model for?
I am a mentor to some amazing people in this class, UnifiedScience, and a role model to a few of the guys there.

What are two community issues you’re passionate about?
Mental health, homelessness

Age: 16

Bio: Hi, my name is Gracie! I am part of the class of 2026. I’m a Christian, as is my family. I am in the National Honors Society and am part of my high school's Book Club. I’m shy with new people, but can be very outgoing with my friends. My first FFI program was the Submerged STEM program in 2024. My hobbies are photography, hiking, singing, reading and writing books, watching cartoons, trying new things, and spending time with my family and friends. I want to go to college after high school, but I don’t know what I want to study or where I want to go. But I get good grades in school and try my hardest in everything I do.

How has FFI impacted your approach to leadership?
FFI has taught me that I don’t have to be a natural leader to be in a leadership role, and that I don’t have to be as afraid as I am of making mistakes. It’s taught me to lead without having to be loud, just by helping to set an example for others. FFI has also taught me to have a little more confidence in myself and believe that I have the capability to be a leader, which isn’t something I really believed before.

Who are you a role model for?
I believe I’m a role model for my friends (or I try to be, anyway). I try to set an example by trying my hardest to get all my homework done on time, texting my friends to check in when I notice they’re absent, and always being willing to help.

What are two community issues you're passionate about?
Various addictions, poverty in other countries

Age: 15

Bio: Hi my name is Laraine! I am currently finishing up my sophomore year. I've been trying out classes in various fields to discover things I may be interested in. I am currently the Historian for the Environmental Club, a member of the Student Council, and a member of the French Honor Society. I'm planning to join many more clubs in my junior year, along with more sports. I like to join any chance of community service I can because it can always bring a step closer to a better future. I'm very passionate about making the streets of Rochester more safe so kids, and parents, won't have to be worried about going outside. Friends Forever has really helped me get closer to reaching my goals for the near future!

How has FFI impacted your approach to leadership? 
I have been very caring towards others when it comes to being in a group. I now realize that communication is a really big thing when it comes to good leadership.

Who are you a role model for?
My freshman friends

What are two community issues you’re passionate about?
Drug use, trash and littering 

Age: 16

Bio: My name is Maddie. Currently, I'm a nanny for many families around the area. I hope to graduate high school and get a higher education to become an anesthesiologist. I have done the majority of my volunteering with kids at a number of different schools. Some community issues I'm passionate about are equity and equality, sustainability, and children's education.

How has FFI impacted your approach to leadership? 
FFI has made me more outgoing. While at my science course in April, I refused to hold this corn snake named Zipper. Recently, a snake got trapped in the kids I babysit' greenhouse, and I moved it out.

Who are you a role model for?
I am a role model for the little dancers at my studio, the kids I babysit, and family members.

What are two community issues you’re passionate about?
Wildlife disappearances, litter and trash

Coming Soon!

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Age: 16
Bio:
How has FFI impacted your approach to leadership?
Who are you a role model for?
What are two community issues you’re passionate about?

Age: 15

Bio: Hi! My name is River. I am a very creative person who loves art. 

How has FFI impacted your approach to leadership?
I’ve become more comfortable talking to people now than ever before. 

Who are you a role model for?
My nephew

What are two community issues you’re passionate about?
Addiction, discrimination