High school is a highly individual experience, one that shifts based on each student's course load, extracurricular activities and even the school each attends. But some students are working to break down the walls that separate Prince George's four high schools by finding ways to work together, tackle issues important to students, and share ideas.
They make up District 57's student advisory council and the group of 15 students meets the day before the monthly school board meetings.
On Monday the focus was finding ways to reduce student stress. That included peer-to-peer learning in groups, building partnerships with university students to help with tutoring, and making sure time is set aside within school hours - but outside of class - for more focussed learning with teachers.
It's 17-year-old Kyle Rowell's first time on council and today, he will present the group's ideas at the school board meeting.
Stress in students is increasingly becoming an issue, he said.
"It's important to address," said the Kelly Road Secondary student. "Especially senior year. That's the one thing they don't tell you about Grade 12, is how busy you get to be."
But Rowell said the district can do better at letting students know what resources are available.
"A lot of people don't know what's out there to assist us," said Rowell. "I think it's something both of us can work on - both the students and the district. It can't just be one or the other."
Emily O'Reilly, the council vice-chair, echoed the need for conversations between youth and trustees.
"What the students see can be different from what the board sees," said the 17-year-old, who is on her second year on council.
"It's important to have all the students come together because there's different programs in all the schools as well as it's really nice for the students to have a say about what they're seeing in the schools."
That makes a difference, said the College Heights Secondary student.
"I was surprised by how much we could actually accomplish just by sitting down once a month and just collaborating, sharing ideas."
Sharel Warrington, who is the board liaison to the group, encouraged the members to send someone to the monthly district meetings.
She noted some districts have a student representatives who sit on the school board.
"Your interest in the work on the board may generate a possibility of that happening in our board," Warrington told the students.
"I believe your voice is probably the most important voice that the board should hear."
