Anyone can spearhead change in their community, and a class of Niskayuna elementary school students is doing just that.
The movement began last year in Chris Lasher’s fourth-grade class. After studying civics and the legislative process, the students realized New York doesn’t have a law officially declaring state colors.
The idea to make New York’s state colors official originated with student Lucy Horn, who noticed that while blue and yellow are widely associated with New York’s flag, they aren’t officially recognized by law.
“I saw that most of the other states in the country have state colors,” said Horn. “We have blue and yellow associated with our state flag, but we’ve never had an actual law saying these are our state colors. We are one of the only states that don’t have state colors.”
It was on a field trip to the state capitol building in May 2025 that Horn’s idea to make blue and yellow the official state colors gained momentum.
Horn and Lasher mentioned the lack of state colors to Assemblymember Phil Steck, who met with the class at the capitol. Four days later, a representative from his office got in contact with the class about pursuing it.
Determined to create change, Horn and her classmates began researching and brainstorming how blue and yellow can symbolize the state.
“I think one of the best things about the project was the authenticity,” said Lasher. “The students felt they had a voice and could make meaningful change no matter how big or small.”
Through their research, the class decided dark blue would symbolize calmness, trust and loyalty, representing New York’s open skies and the vital waterways that shaped the state’s history and culture.
Meanwhile, dark yellow was chosen for its symbolism of happiness, hope and sunshine. The students argued that it connects directly to the historical and cultural foundations of New York.
Horn and her classmates said the project was a once in a lifetime opportunity that helped them learn firsthand how our government works.
“I learned a lot about state legislation and how there isn’t an age limit to make change,” said student Julia Van Alstyne. “Even a kid who is nine or 10 can write and say we should have state colors.”
After the class sent in its proposal, Senator Jim Tedisco formally pursued it and submitted it to the Senate as Bill S8525.
Now, the students are waiting to see if their hard work will be signed into law.
“I will be really excited if this is signed!” said student Adrielle Linyear. “It was really hard to do because we all were doing different research, but if it actually goes through, it will be great.”
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