EVERETT – A panel of 14 students spoke to community leaders Thursday at this year’s Voices of Youth summit.
The meeting, sponsored by the Snohomish Health and Safety Network and the county, included discussions about education, homeless youth, drugs and alcohol and other issues involving youths.
This was the summit’s fifth year.
Here is a sampling of what the teens said:
Chelsey Berry, 11, attends Lynndale Elementary in Lynnwood. She’s involved with ASB, the school newspaper and is a member of the honor choir.
“I think making school fun is important … I used to be very behind in division last year, and my teacher made a small game so I’d understand it … now I’m in the advanced math and algebra club.”
Sabrina Berthold, 17, attends Henry M. Jackson High School in Mill Creek. She’s a member of the National Honor Society and a volunteer for Snohomish County’s WayOUT program aimed at improving communication between teens and parents.
“I believe we need less school work and a shorter school day to accomplish more outside the classroom.”
Keely Caldwell, 12, attends Lakewood Middle School in Lakewood. She’s the only girl on the Lakewood Cougar wrestling team and also enjoys reading and drawing.
“Our community can improve our after-school activities by offering more to do. Sports are great, because I’m in wrestling, but not all kids want to do that.”
Mandy Cummins, 16, is a junior at Granite Falls Alternative High School. She’s a cheerleader, involved with ASB, a member of her church youth group and on the honor roll.
“Don’t look away (from students using drugs or alcohol). I know all you decision-makers care about the problem. Don’t ignore it.”
Chantel Dean, 17, is a senior at Granite Falls Alternative High School. She’s an honor roll student, a member of her church youth group and wants to become a nursing assistant.
“There need to be more activities so teens don’t turn to drugs. I don’t want people to go down the same road I did.”
Uche Esonu, 13, attends Meadowdale Middle School in Lynnwood. She’s involved with ASB, is a member of the jazz choir and orchestra and wants to be a youth pastor.
“There should be more help after school if you don’t understand … Teachers should really make sure you understand what’s going on.”
Laneeka Hall, 13, attends Meadowdale Middle School in Lynnwood. She’s involved with gymnastics, ballet and is proud she improved to a 3.9 grade point average.
“Some people may seem happy at my school, but inside they’re sad or angry or depressed … I think we need a program where high-schoolers and middle-schoolers can go and talk about their problems.”
Nathan Hoston, 13, attends Meadowdale Middle School in Lynnwood. He’s involved with ASB and is a member of the orchestra.
“There should be programs after school and a 24-hour hotline for teens … There are just some times teens need someone to talk to.”
Ariel Manley, 12, attends Olympic View Middle School in Mukilteo. She’s a member of a choir and wants to become a defense attorney.
“Everybody should stand up for themselves because when you speak out, you can really make a difference.”
Kelvin Mansfield, 15, is a sophomore at Lakewood High School in Lakewood. He’s a varsity football player and wrestler and is involved in Teens Against Tobacco Use.
“I do feel safe in my community, except for one thing: reckless driving … Some things we can do to fix this include making the test harder … I don’t want to be driving next to a B-minus driver.”
Kelley Morey, 15, is a sophomore at Mariner High School in Everett. She’s a member of drama club and president of Horizon Teens in Action (Campfire).
“I think teens turn to drugs and alcohol because they need to forget about their problems … If you see kids around that look like they’re on drugs, take action.”
Danny Nelson, 15, is a sophomore at Meadowdale High School in Lynnwood. He has a black belt in tae kwon do, plays football and is a member of the Key Club and DECA.
“To improve after-school activities, there should be lower costs, more variety and more encouragement from teachers.”
Josh Wei, 16, is a sophomore at Meadowdale High School in Lynnwood. He’s a member of the bowling team and DECA.
“Improvement as well as excellence should be recognized (at school). Improving is really hard, going down deep and giving everything you’ve got.”
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