“I nominate Danielle,” her father cried.

Another voice from the crowd was heard: “I second the nomination.”

There was a unanimous vote, and then Danielle Smith was the new vice president of the Dudley Pond Association.

The Dudley Pond Association (DPA) is a non-profit organization that was established to protect Dudley Pond. Before Smith could be elected, laws had to be checked to make sure she was old enough.  A senior at Wayland High, she is currently the youngest person to serve on the DPA board.

“As the VP, I attend monthly meetings, and our annual fall meeting is coming up.  It is open to the public, and we would love people to come to the meeting,” explained Smith.

Smith is working to make changes with the DPA.  One of their current goals is to fight the milfoil invading the pond.  Milfoil is an invasive plant that harms the health of the pond. As Smith stated, “The milfoil grows quickly, and pushes out the native plants.  It creates a dangerous environment for the fish.  Right now, the DPA is working to hand pull the milfoil by paying divers and using a chemical called Sonar.”

The DPA is also working on the Doran Road project.  Smith said, “The town wants to put in housing, but there would be too many septic systems in the area and it would emit chemicals into the pond, so the DPA is working with a neighborhood committee to stop the construction plans from going through.”

Smith is working on the DPA’s image as well. For example, she has a vision to change the logo.  She said, “One of my ideas was to have a competition within the high school to create a new logo for Dudley Pond.  Our current logo is outdated.  We have had it for over ten years, and I think it’s time for a change.”