As School Board Student Representative junior Hunter Fasteau leaned forward to comment at the PUSD Board meeting, he could sense the tension rippling through the room. He’d expected it, because the topic was raw, and the emotions real. But he had strength, because he wasn’t speaking for himself alone. His voice charged with emotion, he started to speak for his fellow PHS students.

“I know students are already under a lot of pressure,” Fasteau said. “I felt like I had to speak out for everyone, not just myself.”

Fasteau said the experience was intimidating and emotional.

“It was scary, and I felt nervous, but I also felt like I had to stay firm in my position,” he said.

Fasteau said he felt that his position was made clear by the intent and emotion that he delivered his message with and by the act of holding firm on his stance towards the Board policy.

“Even if the Board policy implementation wasn’t significantly changed, there was definitely lots of discussion on it,” Fasteau said.

Fasteau said that recently, he has been able to find his voice through practice with public speaking and some life experiences.

“It felt amazing and liberating to find my voice,” Fasteau said.