RCSD Students Stand Tall, Speak Boldly in Project Soapbox Showcase
Rochester City School District students took a stand, literally and figuratively, at the District’s Central Office on Friday, March 6. The third annual Districtwide Project Soapbox Showcase provided a powerful platform for young leaders to use their voices to address critical issues weighing on their minds and hearts.
With passion and purpose, students delivered compelling two-minute speeches on a range of topics, including women’s health, bullying, and wealth inequity. For many, the event was about being heard by those in positions of power.
Ala Mugalli, an 8th-grade student at Thurgood Marshall Middle School, co-presented with classmate De’Von Thomas on the vital role of athletics. Ala noted the importance of the platform, stating, “we can share our voice with people who are very important.” De’Von expanded on the topic, highlighting the benefits of physical activity. “Sports should be shown more appreciation, and it helps with your mental health, improves academic scores, and behavior,” said De’Von.
The diversity of the "soapbox" topics reflected the varied interests and concerns of the student body. Solange Alvardo took the stage to champion the power of literacy and focus in a digital age.
“It’s important to me, because I’m a person who always likes reading and I like to persuade people with my opinion,” Solange shared. “Reading sparks people's imaginations and lets people come up with more ideas. I’d like to have people put down their phones just for a little bit and pick up a book.”
The speeches were the culmination of weeks of hard work. Guided by their teachers, students researched their topics, crafted narratives, and practiced the art of public speaking. For District leadership, seeing that preparation turn into passion is the ultimate reward.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, already standing at 6’8”, stepped onto this soapbox to welcome the community and praise the students’ efforts. “I want to acknowledge our students for their courage and bravery in being able to articulate your views and perspectives,” he said.
Dr. Rosser led the students in a call-and-response, repeating the phrase, “Democracy is a verb.” He reminded those in attendance that individuals and society as a whole have the power to engage in conversations that reflect personal and collective thoughts that will ultimately change how society behaves.
Project Soapbox is a partnership with the Mikva Challenge, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering youth. The journey doesn’t end in Rochester for everyone. Select students from today’s showcase will be invited to Chicago this May to participate in “Soapbox Nation,” a national forum where they will join youth from across the country to amplify their perspectives on a global scale.