Fox Friday: Morgan Ayo Helps Change Our Community for the Better

Fox Friday is a series that highlights the accomplishments of students districtwide. We regularly feature the incredible things our students are up to — whether they are excelling academically, athletically or are quietly impressive.

Today’s Fox Friday focuses on Fox Lane senior Morgan Ayo, who has a big soft spot for volunteer work. She was named a Westchester Youth Alliance Changemaker and was the keynote speaker at the organization’s annual fundraiser.

How did you get involved with Westchester Youth Alliance (WYA)?

I discovered the Westchester Youth Alliance through a newsletter my mom subscribed to when we first moved into the district. I joined in November last year to be part of a community that uplifts teens and makes a meaningful impact in Westchester.

What was your first experience with them like?

My first event was the Annual Thanksgiving Cooking and Service event at Temple Shaaray Tefila. A few Sundays ago, we held that same event and contributed to the making of 4,000 Thanksgiving meals.

I was pretty intimidated going into the event the first time because I didn't know what to expect — especially since I moved during the early days of post-COVID-19 normalcy.  But once I got there, I immediately felt welcomed and comfortable. It was the perfect way to better understand my community and to explore what it has to offer.

What were your thoughts after that first experience? What made you dig in more?

That event pushed me outside my comfort zone and familiarized me with my community’s organizations. I knew I had to stay connected to serve my community.

Can you tell us about WYA’s Art & Activism program and your experience with it?

The Art and Activism program was one of my favorite workshops that took place earlier this year. The group that participated and I met with various photographers. They gave us advice on how to incorporate different techniques and to be intentional with our work. 

We got to showcase our pieces at the Gordon Parks Museum in Pleasantville, which was an amazing experience. My piece was about how society has evolved on the topic of mental health within our youth. Although I praised how far we have come, there is still much more to be done. With this program and partaking in photography at school, I was able to test what I had learned in school and vice versa. I was one of the speakers for the showcase and it was my first time speaking publicly. It was a scary but necessary push.

What are WYA Changemakers and what have you done through the program?

The WYA Changemakers is a youth leadership program within the Westchester Youth Alliance that focuses on developing leadership and networking skills while addressing social issues. As ambassadors to the organization, we help to get more kids involved in cultivating diversity and using their voices to build bridges and mutual understanding.

How were you chosen as a keynote speaker at the annual fundraiser?

Nisa (Executive Director) and Kylie (Program Director) reached out to me explaining how they thought I would be just the person to speak at our Annual Captain Lawrence Fundraiser. I was surprised but grateful for the opportunity. It only made sense to be an advocate and represent the organization.

What type of service work are you most drawn to?

I am mostly drawn to any service work that involves direct contact with the person I am helping. I enjoy volunteering at the hospital and getting to greet the patients, connect with the workers, and make the professionals' lives easier. I believe it stemmed from my service trip to the Dominican Republic through Bridges to Community. I went for the first time my sophomore year and I am going back during February break. I was able to talk every day with the local people and help build a house for a family out of cement and cinder blocks. The person-to-person interaction makes my day.

Have you learned anything through volunteering that has helped you in other areas of your life?

Something that I learned through volunteering is that the key to making an impact is kindness. It has helped me improve my leadership and communication skills. I have been inspired to push beyond my limits and it shows. My parents have told me that I glow when I am doing what I love, and volunteering brings that out in me.

Is there anything about volunteering that has surprised you?

I am surprised at the amount of joy I have that has come from volunteering. It took a bit for me to realize the changes it had on me outside of the service community. It changes a person's perspective and can influence all areas of your life.

Do you see yourself continuing to do service work in the future?

There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue service work in the future. I can’t imagine my life without it. I will forever contribute to service work in any way that I can until my time is up.

Is there anything else you think people should know?

Balancing faith, family, friendships, academics, extracurriculars, and being a teenager has not been easy. I had to push myself far out of the box I had limited myself to. With time, patience, and determination, you can fly past the expectations you have set for yourself.