Meet Madeline Goodwin ’25, a Stuyvesant alumna whose dedication to student leadership, inclusivity, and community engagement exemplifies the very best of Stuyvesant High School. From her early days in New York City public schools to leading one of the largest student governments in the nation, Madeline’s journey reflects a commitment to service, empowerment, and fostering a vibrant school culture.

At Stuyvesant, Madeline’s involvement in the Student Union (SU) spanned her entire high school career. Joining as a freshman, she quickly became a key member, eventually serving as Chief of Staff and, in her senior year, President. “One of my biggest priorities was promoting a balance between academics and quality of life,” Madeline explained. At a school known for its rigorous coursework and intense academic environment, this focus on student well-being resonated deeply with peers. She worked tirelessly to ensure that students had opportunities to pursue their passions, socialize, and maintain personal wellness alongside academic achievement.

Madeline’s initiatives in the SU were varied and impactful. She revised and updated the sexual misconduct presentations for freshmen, renaming the program Boundaries and Consent to better reflect its goals. She helped organize workplace visits with the Alumni Association, giving students firsthand exposure to careers across fields and encouraging exploration beyond the traditional paths often associated with Stuyvesant students. She also played a pivotal role in Career Exploration Day, another Alumni powered initiative, connecting students with alumni and specialists who offered insights into a wide range of professions. “The SU helps bridge the gap between students and the administration,” Madeline said. Her leadership was marked not only by policy initiatives but also by efforts to enhance school spirit through events like pep rallies, Boo Grams, and the Arts and Crafts Fair—an event she helped launch to connect student clubs, showcase creative projects, and foster community engagement.

Outside of the SU, Madeline was an active leader in ASPIRA, which serves as a community of Hispanic and Latino students at Stuyvesant, serving first as Vice President and then President, and participated in organizations such as ARISTA, Stuyvesant’s honor society. Her involvement in these groups further underscored her dedication to promoting representation, collaboration, and support for students from diverse backgrounds. Reflecting on her time at Stuyvesant, Madeline noted the significance of female leadership in the SU. “Being part of a female-driven caucus was empowering,” she said. “It showed that young women can be leaders in any environment, including rigorous academic spaces like Stuyvesant.” She observed that the school’s focus on merit and intellect, rather than gender, fostered a culture where all students were encouraged to contribute meaningfully.

Madeline also credited Stuyvesant’s faculty and staff for shaping her experience. Mr. Polazzo, Dr. Berman, Ms. Maggio, Mr. Ramirez, and guidance counselors like Ms. Guthrie were among those who offered mentorship, guidance, and unwavering support. “They were invested in students’ personal and emotional growth, not just academics,” Madeline said.

Now at Brown University, Madeline continues her commitment to leadership and service. She is actively involved in student government, participating in committees focused on student well-being, quality of life, and inclusivity. Academically, she is exploring pre-medical studies alongside English literature, reflecting a broad range of interests cultivated during her time at Stuyvesant. Madeline hopes to pursue a career in research and medicine with a focus on public health, aiming to make healthcare and research more accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

We wish Madeline all the best in her future endeavors!