High school students from Mexico High School recently had the opportunity to share their insights and ideas directly with community leaders during a series of "student conversations" hosted by Kerri Ferrari, Executive Director of C2C.

In February, Ferrari hosted a series of “community conversations" in Mexico. During the four sessions, over 175 community members attended and had the opportunity to share their vision and ideas for the future of their community and schools. Of the large group that participated, four students from Mexico Schools attended.

"When I looked out into the crowd, and I saw those four students, actively engaged, it hit me," Ferrari said. "I knew I wanted to expand these conversations to the school and talk to our students."

The C2C student conversations provide a platform for students to engage in meaningful dialogue with their peers, teachers, and C2C staff. These conversations are designed to address various school and community issues, allowing students to voice their opinions and contribute to important decisions.

“At C2C, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for young people, promoting economic mobility, and making improvements in the town for all residents,” said Ferrari. “Working with our local school district is one way we can do that, and I am grateful we are able to partner together to do this work. We are so grateful that he Mexico High School assisted C2C in coordinating and making this event happen for students”

Daunte Cline, a junior, expressed his appreciation for being included in these conversations, emphasizing the impact it had on him.

"I really appreciated Mrs. Ferrari with C2C coming to meet with us," said Cline. "We got to speak our minds about things that matter to us in our school and community."

Charlie Fisher, a sophomore, emphasized that young people deserve a voice and a seat at the table.

"It made us feel like we had a say in what happens in our school and community,” said Fisher. “This was the first time anyone's ever asked our opinion."

During the conversations, students shared their perspectives on various topics, including the need for more youth sports programs.

"I would really like to see sports programs for little kids,” said Cline. “We need feeder programs to help build our high school sports and give kids an opportunity to start learning to play sooner."

Other students shared their appreciation for Mexico High School's Dual Credit classes which allows them the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school as well as the Hart Career Center for providing hands-on learning experiences.

Students made suggestions for school improvement: facility improvements, longer passing periods, better vending machine choices, the availability of upper-level science classes, in-person dual credit courses, a four-day school week, and better lunch options, including the possibility of free lunch for all students.

A major concern raised was the issue of teachers' salaries being insufficient. The students expressed a desire to see an increase in teacher pay to retain exceptional educators in their district.

“We love our school and our teachers,” said Fisher. “It would be nice if they could make a little more money so they know how much we appreciate them.”

When asked about how the students felt about the community, students pointed out several positive things such as a sense of familiarity as well as the presence of the YMCA. However, they identified several needs: a local hospital, more businesses on the town square, support services for homelessness and substance abuse, and safe spaces for youth to socialize.

"We hang out at Walmart,” said Cline. “That's all we have to do for fun around here. We would love to have more things to do, more opportunities for people."

The students shared their willingness to contribute to the community.

"I would be willing to give my extra time to my community to help make our community better," said Fisher. "I would love to be able to help local businesses, and it would be really cool to have a farmer’s market too.”

Ferrari shared that having the student’s participation in these conversations underscores the importance of including youth voices in community discussions. By listening to students like Cline and Fisher, community leaders gain valuable insights into the needs and aspirations of the next generation.