UCS students add their voices to county summit

Utica Community Schools students are encouraging their peers to find their voices on important school issues.

Members of the Utica Community Schools Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board shared how they are impacting change in their school district through diverse perspectives as part of a countywide student summit.

“If you are not going to share your unique voice, who is?” said Utica High School sophomore Mary Keta, a member of the panel.

The advisory council members spoke at a Macomb Diversity Summit, a gathering of Macomb County high school students.

The Macomb Diversity Summit, held at Macomb Community College, allowed more than 400 students to have conversations about their roles in promoting greater understanding of the cultural, ethnic and religious diversity in their schools. Students from each secondary school participated in the program.

UCS staff members were involved in the organizational planning and coordinated workshops.

At the advisory board breakout session, UCS high school students shared how they have worked at both school and district levels to enact change through leadership and advocacy.

“You need to share your voices because it impacts everyone in this room,” said Henry Ford II senior Justin Walters. “It makes for a better learning environment and a better world.”

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board is comprised of students from all secondary grade levels and schools who meet regularly with UCS Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns.

As members of the board, students said they have advocated at a district level for greater use of technology and understanding of students and their backgrounds.

The students have also initiated projects that promote student success - such as the Academic Blitz - and have helped to raise funds for scholarships.

UCS students spoke about the importance of advocating for a better school environment, even if it moves them outside of their comfort level.

“We feel that no one should be silenced - everyone’s voice is important,” said Advisory Board member Sarah Bussineau.

The students also talked about how they have made positive changes at the school level, promoting greater communication through the use of existing technology tools.

“You can put your voices into practice anytime, anywhere,” said Eisenhower senior Jordan George.

In addition to the workshop, UCS students were also involved in main sessions of the summit.

Junior Cameron Walker participated in a presentation on cultural immersion.

Walker shared an interview he conducted with a family friend who relocated from Albania.