The Nebo School Board of Education, Associate Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Kimball, and Secondary Director Dr. RaShel Shepherd met with high school students from each of the six high schools in the April 2022 Board Meeting. Each Youth Board representative is selected by his/her principal to be a spokesperson for their school each quarter.
The high school students first introduced themselves and then listened and answered questions from Secondary Director Dr. RaShel Shepherd and the Nebo School Board of Education members.
The discussion started with Prom and that all the high schools were invited to a dance next month.
Some of the questions during the discussion are as follows:
1. “What is one takeaway from high school?”
“The student leaders mentioned that it is never to late too start something.”
“We don’t have to wish for a particular talent, do it. Never give up.”
“Not everyone is going to like you. You can’t please everyone and never give up.”
“It’s okay to change your mind like your major in college.”
“Reach out to your resources to be successful whether it is a teacher, friend, or anyone else.”
“Learn to be social with everyone. Someone just might need it that day.”
Another question was:
2. “What advice would you give to new sophomores coming to high school?”
“Learn names of as many people as possible.”
“Get your work done and don’t procrastinate.”
“Make connections with teachers because they are there to help you.”
“Enjoy the journey.”
“Don’t be afraid to do things.”
“Get emotional support if needed.”
Board Member, Lisa Rowley, said, “That is great advice. Give all that advice to yourselves, today, because it is just as important for you now as when you were a sophomore.”
Associate Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Kimball asked:
3. “What have you learned about from the curriculum?”
“We learned to write well and be better at English.”
“Sports psychology was important because our minds are an important tool.”
“My medical classes were important because I learned about a lot of scary stuff, but now I know how to be safe.”
“Personal finance and how to do my taxes.”
“Art appreciation class taught me about my family’s talents.”
“Concurrent Enrollment history class is a wonderful way to get college credit.”
“My AP Government class was enjoyable.”
“English 1010 was a lot of writing, so I learned a lot.”
Another enlightening question:
4. “What advice would you give to teachers?”
Most of the students agreed that it is important for teachers to know each student on a personal level and get to know their names. One student leader said it is critical to make connections with the students. The students also felt that their teachers in their school really care about them.
Another question that was asked is:
5. “What do each of you as students have in common with other high schools?”
A surprising answer was, “That it isn’t so much television shows any more but sports and activities that we have in common.”
When asked about what “Student Success” meant, the students brought up that collaboration is important to work together no matter who you are with. It is important to learn people skills because we are different but need to work together. One student mentioned, “When a student is home-schooled, that student doesn’t get that same experience which empowers each of us.”
The students discussed contentious people and how we might not like everyone or agree with everyone, but we should learn how to respect others.
This was a very mature group of student leaders that will go on to be successful adult leaders of our communities.
After the hour-long roundtable discussion, the Nebo School Board of Education expressed that this the Youth Board meeting time is valuable because the Board hears from Nebo students. The School Board thanked the students for their time and input during Youth Board meeting. The students were engaged and thoughtful with their answers.
This is a unique experience for students to give feedback about their education and have Nebo School District leaders listen intently. The high school students also learn best practices from each other that they can implement back at their own high school. This sharing opportunity promotes friendships between the schools in Nebo School District that is growing about 500 students yearly with over 34,000 students this year.
Front row, Left to Right:
Associate Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Kimball; Questin Francis, SFHS; Jackson McClean, SHS; Scout Callister, SHHS; Kyler Baum, SHHS; Isaac Webster, PHS;
Kayla Clay, LHS; Secondary Director Dr. RaShel Shepherd
Back row, Left to Right:
John Taylor, Shauna Warnick, Shannon Acor, President Christine Riley, Scott Card, Vice President Lisa Rowley, and Superintendent Rick Nielsen
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