Every student wants their voice to be heard. Students want to express themselves safely within their school. The Superintendent Student Advisory Committee gives students the chance to be involved in their community and provides them with leadership skills. The committee meets two to three times during the school year to discuss their concerns about Highlands High School with Superintendent Brian Robinson.
This program allows students to speak up for their classmates and gives them a voice to help the school grow. The main thing this program offers to students is the leadership opportunity. Students will collaborate to improve the environment of their school. They are encouraged to go outside their comfort zone and branch out to new topics and new people.
During the application process, the Secondary Instructional Assistant Carrie Murray was looking for students involved in their community and those willing to improve their skills. “I’m looking for someone who is involved in some things or who wants to be involved, who isn’t afraid to speak up, and who is a problem solver,” Murray said.
There were many new students accepted into the program this year, many of which are excited to make their mark in the district. Newly elected member, Audrey Sorrentino (11), discussed her goals for her upcoming school year on the committee. “I would like to make the school experience the most productive and enjoyable it can be for students so that we can all thrive,” Sorrentino said.
There are four to five students who are selected each year to represent Highlands. Shelby Shields (12), one of the members from the 2023-2024 school year, spoke on the skills she has improved on while involved in SSA.
“Applying the skills that I have gained through other leadership experience and being able to make connections with people of all ages and roles.” Shields said.
The superintendent spoke on what the committee offers students. “I think it gives our students a good opportunity to not only serve as the voice of their peers but also to take some leadership roles,” Robinson said.
Robinson also discussed some of the changes hoping to be made within the year. The district intends to not only include those who apply for the program, but they will also accept sponsors and officers from clubs at the middle and high school levels to collaborate and share ideas.
“I think it gives inner club opportunities to collaborate amongst each other, but then also to bring some of the ideas that are coming out of our groups and organizations,” Robinson said when discussing goals for the committee this year.
If students excel in this program, they can be granted the opportunity to join district-wide committees and continue to make an influential impact in their community. As more and more students enter the program, our community broadens its viewpoint on the events occurring at every school. The first meeting will occur on November 21 with new members ready to make a difference within Fort Thomas.
