Youth Commission Member Reflects; New Members Welcome

Jack Thompson is a junior at Greens Farms Academy. He’s also a member of the Westport Youth Commission.

As the town body solicits membership applications for the 2026-27 school year, Jack reflects on his time on the board.

When I joined the Westport Youth Commission in September of 2024, I could never have imagined how it would impact me in so many ways.

I attended both the general meetings and project meetings each month. However, attendance is where my contribution ended. I would arrive, listen, and leave.

From time to time I would market the commission at my school by making an announcement. In reality though, I really wasn’t very involved.

That, however, changed fast.

In the summer of 2025 I sat down with both Kevin Godburn (director of Westport Youth Services) and Dr. Jill Greenberg (adult member of the WYC) to discuss a new project idea.

With the first selectman post up for election, now was the time to connect students with local politicians. Different ideas were floated. until we settled on a conversation-style event with the 3 candidates.

I would be the leader — guiding, managing and executing the project with the support of my fellow commission members. I went from being an attendee at meetings to leading a fast-paced, all-hands-on-deck project.

I ran the weekly core team Zoom meetings with Jake Shufro, Lee Shufro, Kevin Godburn and Dr. Greenberg, and kept everyone updated on what needed to be taken next.

I learned a great deal from the mentorship of Lee Shufro and Dr. Greenberg. Each meeting I improved and kept everyone on track, ensuring that the day’s agenda was covered. In the end, all our hard work paid off. The event was a tremendous success.

Jack Thompson (left), with fellow Youth Commission member Jake Shufro at the first selectman candidate’s forum.

One lesson among many I have learned is that it’s crucial to jump in from the start. I wish I had gotten involved in projects earlier.

Ultimately, though, I was able to participate in a very meaningful way. If there’s one thing people can take away from my journey on the Youth Commission, it is that any student who joins has the ability and opportunity to make a true, lasting impact.

Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are open; just click here. The deadline is May 1.

(“06880” regularly highlights Westport’s teenagers, and their accomplishments. If you enjoy coverage like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)