OUR TEAM
Founder, VOTE Bronx Science Director
Sebastian Merkatz
Sebastian Merkatz, a senior at The Bronx High School of Science, is a dedicated student and leader, serving as Director of a tutoring organization, intern for his City Councilman, and Treasurer of the Investment Society. He is pursuing career interests in government and business.
Founder, VOTE Bronx Science Director
Oscar Allen
Oscar, a half-Japanese, half-Irish senior at The Bronx High School of Science, is the President of the Young Democracy Club and a dedicated athlete and debater, using his leadership and competitive skills to help NYC high schools register voters.
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Social Media Manager
Samantha Katz
Samantha Katz is a Senior at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in Manhattan with a strong passion for gun violence prevention. Alongside her advocacy, she enjoys photography and recently had the opportunity to model during Fashion Week, combining her interests in social issues and the arts.
Brooklyn Technical High School
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Scarlett Morse
Chapter Director
Scarllet Morse, a senior at Brooklyn Technical High School, is passionate about dance and civic engagement. Whether performing with her dance company, choreographing with friends, or singing along to Taylor Swift, she brings energy and creativity to everything she does. Scarllet is especially proud of her voter registration efforts, inspiring her peers to make their voices heard.
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Marco Spanedda
Chapter Director
Marco Spanedda, a senior at Brooklyn Tech, is passionate about sports—whether he’s playing soccer on the varsity team or catching a game on TV. When he’s not on the field, he’s likely with his dog, his favorite companion.
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Finnegan Rawley
Chapter Director
Hi, I’m Finnegan! I’m passionate about spending time with my friends and building strong relationships. I’m also proud to represent my school by playing on the soccer team—it’s a big part of who I am. And a fun fact: I’m a huge fan of the New York Jets!
Stuyvesant High School
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Andrea Wang
Chapter Director
Andrea Wang, a senior at Stuyvesant High School, is passionate about music, playing the violin, and performing with the Metropolitan Opera’s Children’s Chorus. She’s also committed to civic engagement as an intern with the NYC chapter of the League of Women Voters, where she helps support voter education and participation.
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Preena Patel
Chapter Director
Preena Patel is a senior at Stuyvesant High School with a passion for civic engagement, using both photography and journalism to tell impactful stories. Her journey into politics began freshman year, interning for Yuh-Line Niou, an experience that sparked her interest in public service and shaped her future ambitions. Fun fact: she’s left-handed!
Avenues: The World School
Lauren Eshelman
Chapter Director
Lauren Eshelman, a Senior at Avenues: The World School, dedicates her time to assembling and distributing food packages for those in need, reflecting her compassion and commitment to making a difference. She is also involved in VOTE, a student-led initiative to increase voter registration among high school students, while balancing academics, varsity tennis, team management, and mentoring younger children, all of which enhance her leadership skills.
Ali Strum
Chapter Director
Ali is a junior at Avenues The World school. I am so glad to be able to work with VOTE because of my passion for social justice and equity. During my years at Avenues, I have founded my club based around conflict resolution using dialogue! I am also a member of the Black Student Union and an Avenues Ambassador!
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Ali Cogan
Chapter Director
Ali is a junior at Avenues The World school. I am so glad to be able to work with VOTE because of my passion for social justice and equity. During my years at Avenues, I have founded my club based around conflict resolution using dialogue! I am also a member of the Black Student Union and an Avenues Ambassador!
Maddie Loney
Chapter Director
Madeleine Loney is dedicated to civic engagement, leading a grade-wide voter registration program with VOTE Avenues. Her involvement in varsity track demonstrates teamwork and discipline, while volunteering at the Hudson Guild reflects her commitment to the community. She also loves to hit pirouettes in her ballet studio.
The High School for Math and Science
Myung Hong
Chapter Director
Myung Hong is a high school student attending HSMSE with a passion for writing and working at the Bronx Museum, where they’ve successfully had their work displayed in galleries. Outside of school and art, Myung enjoys biking, which serves as both a source of relaxation and a way to explore the world around him.
Sebastian Pietropinto
Chapter Director
Sebastian Pietropinto is deeply passionate about physics and science, fueled by his curiosity to gain a better understanding of the world. He worked alongside a professor at FIT University, helping to set up lessons and even co-writing papers. A fun fact about Sebastian is that Lionel Messi has always been his favorite soccer player, and he had the opportunity to watch Messi’s debut match in person.
The High School of American Studies
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Claire Catena
Chapter Director
Claire Catena is a senior at the High School of American Studies at Lehman College and a dedicated member of the school’s tennis team. Outside of school, she’s passionate about the outdoors, spending her free time hiking and skiing whenever she can. Known for her adventurous spirit, Claire is always ready for the next challenge on or off the court.
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Frances Grodsky
Chapter Director
Frances Grodsky is a senior at the High School of American Studies at Lehman College, where she leads as President of the Jewish Student Union. Balancing her school responsibilities with life in a busy household, Frances is one of four siblings. Known for her warmth and dedication, she brings a strong sense of community to everything she does.
Sophie Brettschneider
Chapter Director
Sophie Brettschneider is a senior at the High School of American Studies at Lehman College, where she leads as Captain of the Mock Trial Team. Dedicated to political advocacy, Sophie is also a member of the High School Democrats Association of Manhattan and enjoys staying active through running and playing frisbee. A fun fact: her last name boasts an impressive 14 letters!
Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School
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Samantha Katz
Chapter Director, Social Media Manager
Samantha Katz is a Senior at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in Manhattan with a strong passion for women’s rights and gun violence prevention. Alongside her advocacy, she enjoys photography and recently had the opportunity to model during Fashion Week, combining her interests in social issues and the arts.
BASIS Independent Manhattan
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Dashiell Sigmond
Chapter Director
Dashiell has a passion for Mandarin, politics, journalism, and reading. He has studied Mandarin for nearly half his life, aiming for fluency. This year, he helped launch his school’s first newspaper and serves as managing editor, proud to build it from the ground up. Though he has moved seven times and lived in four states, he has spent most of his life in NYC.