Rosely Castaneda

Growing The Voice Students growing their coonfidence and powerfully persuading the student body to address issues occuring throughout the students.

In a world where students are often seen but not heard, it is time to exemplify the power of student voices in our school. Grant has with the wide range of opportunities Grant presents, our school has become a comfortable place for students to express themselves. Within these offered clubs, students have been given a voice to lead and make decisions about the clubs’ development and goals. When entering a new environment students struggle to find that ”clique” that students expect to join easily, but high school is probably the opposite of the movies. High school can be an overwhelming and challenging time, but when students find their niche, it makes a world of difference. Whether it’s joining a sports team, participating in clubs, or pursuing artistic hobbies, finding a community where students feel accepted and supported can boost confidence. It allows students to connect with individuals who share the same passions and will help the personal growth of the mind. Samantha (Sammie) Cruz, a senior at Grant, has explained that “the experience is what you

make, if you want to be a part of our school, you have to insert yourself, you have to take the initiative to get involved.” Samantha is in multiple extracurricular activities making the most of her four years at Grant. At Grant, there are multiple opportunities to insert student voices in any club or activity. Sammie says “Well, I’m in everything! I’m mostly a very active member of theater, choir, and speech. I feel like we do an excellent job
of making sure that kids feel welcome and comfortable, we are very inviting.” Not only does this prove to students that multiple students are making a difference in student-led organizations, but that Grant has multiple opportunities to make a change. According to a recent Yale study, “almost 75 percent of high school students feel negatively about school.” This shows that students struggle with connecting to a place where they feel welcome. This study also showed that “Students are the experts in their learning. They know what’s not working, and they know what they need for success. Students voice and ability to control their school experience.” When students look for a place to fit in they need to develop interests by exploring the avenues high school is built with. Students can become overwhelmed in situations where they have no control. Once students develop a strong interest, they flourish in that area by offering suggestions for positive school improvements. Grant Community High School’s principal, Principal Schmidt has explained that “One of the popular visible avenues for student voice is through our student organizations. All of our activities in particular have been the results of student interests over the years, whether that be 10 years ago when they started or even longer.” Creating a creative environment for our students to voice their opinions on school-wide activities based on polls from the student body. High school is a time of growth and self-discovery, and it’s a time when students have the power to shape their own high school experience. From choosing the clubs and extracurricular activities they participate in, to taking on leadership roles and pursuing their passions, high school students can make their time in school truly meaningful. By taking control of their education, setting goals, and seeking out opportunities for personal and academic growth, students can create a high school experience that aligns with their interests and aspirations. It’s all about seizing the opportunities and making the most of the unique journey that high school offers.