Columbia High School students at the Empowering Student Voices Youth Summit at Questar III BOCES.

Columbia High School students with Superintendent Jeff Simons at the Improving Schools through Student Empowerment Summit at Questar III BOCES.

A group of Columbia High School students attended the Improving Schools through Student Empowerment Summit at Questar III BOCES on April 23. The students were accompanied by advisors Marna Meltzer-McMorris and Nicole Conte, as well as Superintendent Jeff Simons and Columbia Principal Michael Harkin.

The students, including Kole Hardy, Ornella Metter, Ellie Keenholts, Reina Sullivan, Reid Schiermeier, Alex DeMarco and Aries Raphael, attended the event with students from Averill Park, New Lebanon, Schodack and Troy to celebrate their work to improve school climate.

Led by Dr. Eva Jones, this year-long program gave high school students from across the region an opportunity to interact with each other and discuss topics relating to creating inclusive schools. Through participation in discussion circles and peer activities, students gained perspective as they listened to life experiences different from their own and learned essential leadership skills.

The students hosted an activity at Columbia last month as part of the program.

“Our students have committed themselves to improving the school climate at Columbia through elevating the voices and experiences of all,” said Mrs. Meltzer-McMorris. “They learned how to create an action plan they carried out in their own school to make it a safe and welcoming space for everyone, gaining insight in how to listen and learn from all individuals, recognizing that differences are assets.”