Jaden Roback: Making His Mark as a Leader and Advocate

As the Program Director for Broadway Utica, it’s my privilege to celebrate one of our longest-standing Youth Ambassadors — Jaden Roback — as he graduates from New York Mills High School and moves on to the next chapter of his life.

Jaden joined Broadway Utica’s Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassador Program back in 2021, when we temporarily opened it up to freshmen and sophomores. Jaden, along with two other students who were also freshmen at the time, has spent the last four years growing with us, supporting our mission, and becoming a core part of our YAP family. Now that we’ve returned to only accepting juniors and seniors, his commitment stands out even more — a rare kind of dedication.

Over the years, Jaden has become a steady, familiar presence in our program — always asking how he can help, always showing up, and always jumping into things with genuine purpose. Whether it’s packing Thanksgiving baskets, helping at events, or participating in conversations that matter, he’s been there. And when he sets out to get something done, he sees it through — and then some.

Jaden is a proud advocate for disability rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and environmental justice. He brings his voice to the table — thoughtfully, passionately, and with a deep desire to create change. And his work doesn’t stop with us. He’s involved in his school, works at the New York Mills Library, and contributes to his community in countless ways. It’s no surprise that others have taken notice.

This year, Jaden was recognized with several honors, including a Proclamation from Oneida County Executive Tony Picente, a Citation from Assemblywoman Buttenschon, certificates from Senator Joseph Griffo, and recognition from Mayor Galime for Civic Engagement. He also received the Civic Engagement Award from the League of Women Voters Utica-Rome Metro Chapter.

Their Youth Director, Dawn Laguerre, put it beautifully: “Jaden Roback exemplifies the spirit of civic engagement and youth leadership… His unwavering dedication to disability rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and environmental justice, combined with his passion for community service in the arts, student government, and school life, makes him a beacon of hope for the future. We are proud to present Jaden with the Civic Engagement Award—he is a true changemaker in every sense.”

Jaden is curious. He’s determined. He listens, learns, and always wants to understand more. He brings energy and focus to everything he does. He holds himself — and others — to high standards. And he truly cares. That drive, that level of commitment to making things better, is something we’ve admired from day one.

We’ve been lucky to have him in our program. Jaden has challenged us, supported us, represented us, and inspired us. We’ll always be cheering him on. And knowing him, wherever life takes him next, he’ll keep making an impact — in ways that only he can.

Jaden, we’re proud of you. Always.
Kristen Matteson, Program Director at Broadway Utica along with The Staff and Board of Directors at Broadway Utica.