Freedom of speech is one of the rights of humans that has been recently relevant in the news. With the growth in its controversy and discrepancies, the amendment’s application in daily life has become more and more prominent. For adolescents, kids, and teens alike, school is a place of development, especially in social speech and self-expression.
Here at Kingsway, students convey their emotions, feelings, and opinions in a variety of ways. One crucial outlet for students to voice their thoughts is the board of education representatives, who act as liaisons between the board of education and the student body.
Recently, Kingsway’s board of education representatives– seniors Mason Corey and Krishani Parikh– were inducted into the board. Hand-picked by the student council executive board to represent the student body, these students, while having only attended a few meetings, have already left an indelible impression.
Krishani is a committed leader in and out of the classroom. Serving as President of the National Honor Society, Vice President of Physics Club, and an officer for Science Olympiad. She also captains the Varsity Tennis team and volunteers as a licensed EMT. Outside of Kingsway, she teaches at her Indian Sunday School and tutors students at Mathnasium.
Mason holds numerous leadership positions, being the President of both the Physics Club and Science Olympiad, and Secretary of the National Honor Society. He is the founder of Kingsway’s Physics Summer Workshop and South Jersey Youth Arts Association; he even conducted university-level optics research.
Both are immensely accomplished, bringing the diverse, unique, and effective voice needed for Kingsway students to the Board. When asked what this position and “freedom of speech” meant to them, Krishani replied that, “This year is full of changes for the student body. It’s great to have a place for students to share feelings about these policies and reach administration in a way that is accessible. Seeing things from the student perspective is truly monumental!” While it’s still the beginning of the year, Krishani looks forward to the change and impact she can bring to students through this role.
Mason said, “Our positions serve as liaisons between the administration and student body. While the administration always wants what’s best for the students, it is difficult to understand our perspectives without a clear avenue of communication. A lot of students have strong opinions about the policy changes this year, and I hope that I can play a part in finding solutions that both the admin and the student body support.”
In this constantly evolving world– both in and out of Kingsway– youth voices are pivotal in marking and ushering change! A small step can go a long way; after all, it’s the ripple effect. Here at Kingsway, that means conveying your thoughts and sharing your opinions, and knowing it’ll be respected and welcomed!
Got any ideas or thoughts? Make sure to fill out the Board of Education Inquiry form! Find it on Kingsway Student Council’s Instagram or access it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNcvUd7lQX2ZVGP6EroKQL1qZ3uFLqaRLQ0qA2FOUA-Qnsqg/viewform