Meet the Officer Team

Sherri McPherson is a National Board Certified teacher at Lafayette High School and has 21 years of experience teaching English/ Language Arts in grades 9-12. Mrs. McPherson earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and Theater and a Master’s degree in English Education from the University of Kentucky. For the past 9 years, she has sponsored Lafayette's Student Y Chapter. Her favorite part of the Student Y is watching her students find their voices and advocate for causes for which they are passionate. She currently lives in Lexington with her husband of 24 years and their three children. When not attending Y Conferences or teaching, Mrs. McPherson enjoys running, playing with her guinea pigs, and reading.

Izzy's favorite thing about the Y is community building with people from all across the state. At past Y conferences, Izzy has had her resolution endorsed by the Secretary General and has been appointed KUNA 2's Chief of Staff. She also served as the Lafayette Student Y's Secretary during the 2019-2020 school year. Her favorite Y conference is KUNA. Other than participating in Y events, Izzy is the president of the Lafayette Young Democrats Club, volunteers for the Sisohpromarem art foundation, plays the violin, attends protests, and participates in debate. She loves Marvel and enjoys crocheting like a grandma.

This is Bobby's fourth year participating in Student Y. His favorite things about Student Y are the servant-leadership mindset and the opportunities for constructively dialoguing with peers from across the state at conferences. At KYA, Bobby placed 2nd with his Supreme Court group out of 18 teams, and currently serves as Chief Justice of the conference. At KUNA, he has had his resolution endorsed by the Secretary General, placed 1st with his International Court of Justice team, received the Outstanding Attorney award, and won the Outstanding Showcase competition. He also served as the Treasurer of this Y chapter during the 2019-2020 school year, among a variety of other positions including acting as the head of several committees. When he's not involved with Student Y, Bobby spends his time performing in school and regional theatre productions, planning and leading the Empower Kentucky Youth Conference, singing in Lafayette Choir (Madrigals), and learning new stuff. His other passions include politics, the Arts, history, French, and his dog, Dax.

Phoebe has participated in Y conferences for five years now. She has represented Lafayette as a lobbyist at KYA (Distinguished Bill Advocacy award, Outstanding Lobbyist award) and as an NGO at KUNA (she strongly believes that KYA is the superior conference). Phoebe was also Lafayette's Bill Writing and General Debate Chair last year. Outside of the Y, Phoebe loves to draw, play traditional Irish and Appalachian music on the violin, and spend time with her friends. Her passions include history, art, music, culture, politics and French.

Vidhi is a sophomore at Lafayette High School and is a second year vocal major at SCAPA. This is Vidhi's second year with the Student Y at Lafayette but her fifth year participating in a school chapter of Student Y; she spent three years with the Community Montessori School's chapter. Her favorite parts of being in the Student Y are the people and the opportunities it has given her. Vidhi has been a chair, bill/resolution sponsor, and official team leader at these conferences. Outside of the Y, Vidhi is part of Lafayette Choir (Chorale), KOVA Volleyball, and LYSA soccer. She also takes violin, voice, music theory, and tennis lessons outside of school. Vidhi's passions include music and social and political issues. She loves to research and debate social and civil issues in today's world and hopes to go into that field as an adult.

Arden is a junior and is so excited for Student Y this year! She loves that the Y is a brave space for everyone to have their voices heard and is hoping to be able to make it that same brave space for others. Her favorite Y conferences are KYA and GFI. At KUNA she has been recognized as an outstanding speaker. Outside of Student Y, Arden also participates in Speech and Debate, Young Democrats, and theatre. She is very passionate about politics and social justice, and is excited to share that passion with others this year.

This is Teagan's second year participating in the Student Y. Her favorite thing about the organization is that it's a place where unique friendships can be made through pursuing passions and educating one another, and her favorite Y conference is KUNA. Accomplishments within the Y include her KYA bill being signed into law and her KUNA resolution being endorsed by the Secretary General. Outside of the Y, Teagan participates in the Bluegrass Youth Sustainability Council, Lafayette's orchestra (and is a member of the orchestra social committee), LHS swim team, Young Democrats Club, BETA Club, SDA and NLY. Her passions are activism, sustainability, justice, and mental health protection.

Ellen's favorite things about the Y are the friendships she has made and the community she has built during her time in Student Y. At past conferences, Ellen has competed as a member of Lafayette's International Court of Justice team. She served as Lafayette's Civic Engagement Chair during the 2019-2020 school year. When she isn't working with her Y Chapter, Ellen is participating in Mu Alpha Theta, NHS, Beta Club, Student Council, lifeguarding, babysitting, and volunteering. She enjoys singing and watching television with friends and family.