On Feb. 27, the School Board voted 4-1 against the Student Resource Officer (SRO) proposal that would station an armed police officer on the PMS, MHS, and PHS campuses. Twelve students spoke against the SRO at the meeting, making their opinions heard. That was just one of the several sources of student input. TPH put out a survey to gather student opinion on the SRO, and 48.6 percent of the 185 respondents said that an armed officer on campus would make them feel less safe. Superintendent Randall Booker sent students a survey that asked for their input. Some teachers led informal discussions during class, allowing students to speak and listen openly with their peers.

Students, your voices made a difference. When you spoke up and shared your opinions, the community listened. Let this be a lesson to you that your voice matters. You have power, so continue to use it. As future ideas and issues arise, you can share your opinion at city meetings and forums. You can provide the community with a new perspective by sending TPH a letter to the editor. You can bring issues up in conversation, in class or with your friends. You can use your voice to make a difference.