Recent Westfield State Alum Levi Ekstrom '23 was selected to serve as a Youth250 Bureau Member

Westfield State Alum Levi Ekstrom '23 has recently been selected as a Youth250 Bureau Member, chosen to help organizations and communities in planning events and initiatives to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Levi, who graduated in 2023, spent his time at Westfield State University doing a bit of everything, from serving on his class council, letting his voice be heard as a part of Westfield State University's Student Government Association, always keeping leadership as a priority around campus, consistently demonstrating his excellent skill and his helpful demeanor in every space. 

Levi was chosen as one of 100 individuals who were selected from across the nation, ranging from 18-30, to help Youth250, an initiative of "Made By Us," a nationwide network of museums, historical sites, libraries, and archives that aim to work together to help inform and inspire the next and future generation of the United States. Youth250 aims explicitly to capture young people's imaginations, ideas, and input as the United States turns 250 in 2026, ensuring Generation Z also has a place at the table in planning and celebrating this historical event. Over the past 250 years, as “Made By Us” claims on their website, "...there are many moments in the last 250 years' worth celebrating, in our nation, our communities, and even our families. The U.S. 250th is about recognizing the collective, cumulative story – all that came before us and what's next. You're a part of it!" A thought Levi himself even echoes, as he stated, "This is a brilliant chance for the younger generation to have a seat at the table and ensure that we have a stake in the legacy of the country." 

Congratulations, Levi, we are confident you will do a fantastic job as part of Youth250! We are excited to see what we will do to celebrate in 2026!