Disclaimer: 42Fifty staff reporters and Socials Editor Skye Weaver and Co-Editor-in-Chief Sasha Pankuch are in Coalition but had no part in the writing or editing of this article.
Coalition hosted their Amplify night on March 13 with students from all grades showing up, including parents, to participate in the event.
“To me, Coalition is a big, safe space,” said Coalition Vice President Roa’a Harb. “I think it’s a really good club/organization or program. I would say, where we, as students, can use our voice where we hope these events amplify and ascend to express our assessed student needs as student advocates.”
Coalition started the event by announcing and thanking staff from OE, OH, and nearby elementary and middle schools who were included in the night. Afterward, everyone was directed into breakout rooms consisting of different topics to help parents and students understand different issues.
These breakout rooms had collaborative activities and parents, staff, and students were all working together. They shared their answers, working to understand the topic their room was about.
“My favorite part of the whole night, that opportunity to hear brave voices speak on things that matter to them,” said Belinda Bair, ELA Interventionist and Coalition adviser.
Amplify is a night where people can learn about who they can be, and how they can express themselves in a respectful way. Coalition helps people be stronger together by offering a safe place to express themselves.
“Bunch of kids from other schools come and use their voice, having a breakout room learning new things, then then and there. So I think that’s a really good accomplishment of learning and speaking in Coalition,” said Harb.
Coalition’s Amplify night also included poems, skits, and a piano solo. The biggest idea the Coalition has expressed is that it’s a safe place to express yourself.
“I would absolutely recommend [participating in coalition]! Students should come join us and community members should attend the event to connect with our student body,” said Coalition adviser and OH AP physics teacher Jamie Piper.
“That connection between the students and community members can provide so much strength and support to the youth in our schools,” she added.
Students can join the coalition by going to coalition sponsors, Jamie Piper and Belinda Bair, as well joining the Google Classroom.
I'm Enzo Elia and I really enjoy video games and talking about many topics. this is my first year on staff, I'm a senior. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
