Heuvelton Student Highlights Leadership and STEM Success

Stanley LaFave represents St. Lawrence County at statewide leadership forum and excels in drone and computer technologies program.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:34pm

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Heuvelton senior Stanley LaFave is making an impact through his leadership, advocacy and STEM achievements. As a Teen Ambassador with the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau and a participant in the Madrid-Waddington Drone and Computer Technologies Program, LaFave is building valuable college- and career-ready skills.

Why it matters

LaFave's accomplishments demonstrate the importance of providing students with opportunities to develop leadership abilities and explore emerging STEM fields. His participation in the statewide leadership forum and drone technology program highlights the potential for rural students to excel in these areas.

The details

As a Teen Ambassador, LaFave works with peers from across the county on initiatives related to mental health, safe driving and leadership. He recently represented St. Lawrence County at the statewide Leadership Forum in Albany, where he learned about youth-focused issues and met with state legislators. In the Madrid-Waddington Drone and Computer Technologies Program, LaFave is taking college-level courses in areas like unmanned aerial vehicles, 3D printing, cybersecurity and drone coding. He is also a member of the school's drone soccer team, which recently competed at a regional championship.

  • LaFave recently represented St. Lawrence County at the statewide Leadership Forum in Albany.
  • LaFave's drone soccer team, M-W Navy, finished fifth overall at the U.S. Drone Soccer 2026 District II Championship on March 8.
  • The National Drone Soccer Championship is scheduled for May 18–19 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The players

Stanley LaFave

A senior at Heuvelton High School who is a Teen Ambassador with the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau and a participant in the Madrid-Waddington Drone and Computer Technologies Program.

St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau

A group of teens from different schools across the county that focuses on initiatives related to mental health, safe driving and leadership.

Madrid-Waddington Drone and Computer Technologies Program

An advanced, hands-on program that offers juniors and seniors an introduction to emerging STEM fields, including unmanned aerial vehicles, 3D printing, cybersecurity and drone coding.

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What they’re saying

“This was a great experience for me and the hundreds of other kids from across New York state to learn about leadership through speakers and workshops we were able to attend.”

— Stanley LaFave

“The program allows me to take college-level courses that I wouldn't normally have access to. I am able to plan for my future while I'm still in school.”

— Stanley LaFave

What’s next

LaFave's drone soccer team, M-W Navy, is being considered for a wildcard invitation to the National Championship scheduled for May 18–19 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The takeaway

LaFave's achievements demonstrate the value of providing rural students with opportunities to develop leadership skills and explore emerging STEM fields. His participation in the statewide leadership forum and drone technology program highlights the potential for students in small communities to excel in these areas and plan for their future.