Adviser’s Note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this opinion article belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views of The Colt Chronicle Staff, Kinnelon High School, or its students and staff members.
Around the U.S.A., high school students are speaking up to make the changes they want. Students are expressing discontent and are unhappy with aspects of the community. This can be changed. Students should be getting involved and helping make the change they desire.
Change in a school community doesn’t happen accidentally; it happens as a result of students speaking up and actively participating to make change. At KHS, students have many opportunities to make their voices heard and help create a positive environment for everyone.
Marie Harrington, a sophomore at KHS, is a passionate advocate for student involvement. “We have to speak up, or nothing will change. I want my ideas and voice to get out there and make school more enjoyable. I don’t want to hate school, I want to be heard.”
Change starts with courage. Get involved. The process of making change does not have to be difficult. Harrington has previously worked hard to make change happen. “I want change now, a few years ago, when UGGs slippers were banned at school, I contacted the PRM Principal and Faculty to make a change and get UGGs back. I hope to continue making changes at a larger scale and make us happier.”
When students take initiative, they get results. Involvement and making the school a place students love will create a more positive environment. Danielle Wysocki, a counselor at KHS, emphasized that “It is important for students to respectfully share their ideas to make the school a more positive place to enjoy learning and daily life.”
There are many ways students can get involved: participate in the student council, contact administrators to schedule meetings to share student thoughts, volunteer to present ideas at school or Board of Education meetings, and work together with peers to help benefit everyone.
Any KHS student can become a student council representative and attend meetings where their opinions are heard and put into action.
Students can schedule meetings with administrators to understand how to get involved and bring their opinions to the table.
Simply attending the Board of Education meetings is a great way to learn more about the school community and future changes. Taking the extra measure of preparing a discussion to bring the student voices to the meeting is a great way to be heard and make a difference.
The key to approaching change is respect, persistence, and education. For students passionate about making a change in one specific area, they should fully understand what they are getting involved in and how to help benefit everyone.
Sophia Moussa, a sophomore at KHS, expresses her interest in bettering the school community. “I want to go to the Board of Ed. meetings and be able to be heard. I want real changes that students need. We are just students, but our opinions matter just as much as anyone else’s in shaping our school community.”
Moussa embodies the courage and perseverance needed to help create a positive school environment.
KHS students, identify what students want to change, get involved, and make a difference. 
