Driven by a passion for making a difference, Waterville students are stepping up to lead, listen, and create meaningful change within their school.
Waterville Jr./Sr. High School Interim Principal Dr. Stephen Grimm, recently launched a new Principal’s Student Advisory Council to increase student engagement and amplify student voices. The advisory council, which meets twice a month, has already implemented several impactful initiatives to enhance the school environment and address key issues.
The advisory council is composed of a diverse group of student representatives from grades 9-12. Each month, the council collects feedback from students and teachers through online surveys that focus on school life, from academic resources to culture. The feedback is then reviewed during the advisory council meeting to identify actionable items and develop solutions.
Freshman Wyatt Keenan took the initiative to address key issues at the school by speaking directly with Dr. Grimm. Wyatt’s passion for creating meaningful change and improving the school environment inspired him to advocate for student voices to be heard. Dr. Grimm’s past experience included successfully collaborating with teachers and students, facilitating open discussions to address challenges and achieve positive outcomes. Recognizing the students’ interest to have a voice, he established a student-led council to foster their leadership and engagement. As a result, the Principal’s Student Advisory Council was created.
“If we are going to be here, let’s make it count by creating positive changes together,” Wyatt said.
One of the advisory council’s first initiatives was bringing back daily morning announcements, providing a platform to share school news, celebrate achievements, and create a sense of community. Another impactful change was the implementation of student ID cards, which enhanced school safety and fostered a sense of belonging among students.
“Our students are the future. By listening to their ideas and involving them in decision-making, we’re not just improving the school, we’re preparing our students to be problem-solvers,” said Dr. Grimm. “Watching them grow into leaders is a testament to their hard work to making a difference in our community.”
During the holiday season, the advisory council partnered up with the student council to collect donations to distribute care packages to elementary students in need. They collected blankets, teddy bears, snack items and donations, which helped them purchase more items for the packages. The students then sorted the collected items into gift baskets and sent them home with Memorial Park School students on Dec. 20.
The advisory council will continue to look for opportunities for positive change at Waterville. With plans to address issues like mental health, lunch accessibility for BOCES students, teacher and staff appreciation, peer tutoring, and hall passes in the coming months, the advisory council is ready to make a lasting impact.
“We are here to listen to our classmates and speak on their behalf, making sure every voice is heard,” said freshman Jaelyn Northrop, who is also a council member.
Principal’s Student Advisory Council Members
Sierra Catlin – Grade 11, Abigail Dapson – Grade 12, Wyatt Keenan – Grade 9, Hailey Keith – 9 Grade, Jaelyn Northrop – Grade 9, and Demetrius Tsardakas – Grade 9
