Introducing Amplify: Our New District Student Voice Committee

Giving students a real voice in their education is at the heart of the Excellence & Innovation 2030 Strategic Plan for Upper Arlington Schools. This fall, the district took a big step forward with Amplify, a district-level student voice committee for grades 7-12. Amplify empowers students to share their perspectives, influence school decisions and take on leadership roles that help shape the school experience for everyone.

In November, more than 30 students came together for an Amplify leadership retreat, building connections and exploring the committee’s vision. The Upper Arlington Education Foundation generously provided financial support for the retreat, which featured Roy Hall Jr., a former Ohio State and NFL player and prominent motivational speaker.  

“Today is a really exciting day where we are all coming together for the first time — a group of over 30 students — to form the Amplify Student Voice Committee,” said Ellen W., an Upper Arlington High School student who has been deeply involved in the formation of the committee. “We’re starting to develop leadership and communication skills and paint the picture for what this committee will do in the future.”

The students involved in Amplify are focused on making the school a better, more inclusive place. 

“I wanted to be part of Amplify just to represent and help all people,” said Cruz C., a Hastings Middle School student.

Emilio H., also from Hastings Middle School, added, “I just want to make school productive and fun for kids—make it enjoyable for everybody.”

Amplify also gives students a voice for communities with unique needs. Brooke Tice, an Upper Arlington High School student, shared, “I’ve gotten the chance to immerse myself in the deaf community and work with kids who have inclusive communication needs. I want to help make a change for them.”

Ellen highlighted the committee’s broader impact: “The vision for this committee is to influence the policy that influences our lives.” 

“We have a great future, we have a great set of kids, we have great ideas bouncing around just from the few hours that we’ve been here today, and I’m just excited about the real change.”