Mahalia Jackson Elementary School Students Share Why Student Voice is Important to Them

Student voice is an essential part of creating supportive learning environments, and Mahalia Jackson Elementary School is one school that is doing it right! They have an excellent Student Voice Committee made up of seven sixth- and seventh-grade students. Part of the reason their committee works so well is that these students have the full support of the adults in their building. Principal Tracey Redmond explains that this group has become role models for their classmates and has helped their peers reach new heights academically.

Mr. Kendrick Harris, the school’s dean, is also very involved with student voice at Mahalia Jackson. He agrees with Principal Redmond’s opinion that focusing on student voice has helped the school create a more positive culture for all students. 

“My students have done a great job having restorative conversations with their classmates,” said Mr. Harris. “They’ve become leaders on their own and have been able to have these important conversations with their peers even when their teachers aren’t around.” 

We interviewed all seven members of Mahalia Jackson’s Student Voice Committee to learn more about what this opportunity has meant to each of them. Read what they had to say below. 

From left to right in the photo above: Yuvon, Darius, Mariah, Kay’Leigh, Jayonna, Raven, and Diamond.

What inspired you to pursue student voice at school? 

Yuvon: I can help other people become like what I am. I can also help them conquer what they fear in school and what they might not get right away in their subjects. 

Mariah: I wanted to help people understand right from wrong and see what a role model is. 

Darius: I want to be a role model for the other students in the school. I also want to help new students at our school and make sure that everyone is getting along. 

Raven: I wanted to help students with the stuff that I didn’t always get help with. 

Jayonna: I want to show students how to be a role model and know how to do right from wrong. 

Diamond: I wanted to show the staff that there are good students in this school who can be role models and leaders. 

Kay’Leigh: I want to help students around the school when they need it, and also help them feel more comfortable. 

What has been your favorite part of being on the Student Voice Committee? 

Yuvon: I feel like I was able to show people that I’m a good fit for it. 

Diamond: Being recognized. The staff recognized us as students whom the other students should look up to, which is a really positive thing. 

Darius: Being able to help the school by doing good things for students and helping out where I can. 

Mariah: Showing my classmates how to do the right thing instead of following the wrong idea. 

Raven: I’ve liked showing the staff that I can be a role model for the younger kids so they can be role models, too. 

Jayonna: Showing the community what we can achieve and how we can be leaders as well. 

Kay’Leigh: Being able to help other students come out of their shells if they’re scared to do something. 

What is one goal you still want to accomplish this year related to the Student Voice Committee? 

Yuvon: I want to be on the Student Voice Committee again when I’m in eighth grade. 

Jayonna: I want to show the younger students that, when we leave, we want them to be the school’s future leaders. 

Raven: I want to prove myself and show that I can be a student leader. 

Kay’Leigh: I want to show everyone that they are capable of achieving their dreams. 

Mariah: When I graduate from eighth grade, I want people to want to be a leader and show others the right thing to do. 

Diamond: When we graduate, I want us to leave a positive impact that will help other students stand up and become leaders themselves. 

Darius: I want to show everyone that they have a role in the school and are welcome here. 

What advice would you give to other students that being part of this committee has taught you?

Yuvon: Don’t be scared to show others your real character and to help them as well. 

Mariah: Be yourself and don’t let anyone bring your positivity down. Don’t be a follower. Instead, be a leader. 

Diamond: Don’t give up, because, if you do, it’s not going to help you in life and isn’t part of being a leader. 

Raven: Keep your head up. Even when there are challenges you struggle with, you should be proud of yourself for trying. 

Kay’Leigh: Don’t let anybody hold you back. 

Jayonna: Don’t let others get in your head. Use your own voice and be the best role model you can be. 

Darius: Follow your dreams and your goals, and don’t let anyone bring you down. 

We are so proud of all of these students for their commitment to student voice and being leaders in their school community. We can’t wait to see how Mahalia Jackson continues to develop its students into individuals ready to make a positive impact in their community, our city, and our entire world. Keep up the great work!