(March 12, 2025) Rochester City School District students took a stand, literally and figuratively, at Central Office on Wednesday, March 12, using their voices to address critical issues in the second annual Districtwide Project Soapbox showcase. With passion and purpose, they delivered compelling speeches on topics like mental health, the school-to-prison pipeline, healthcare, trauma, violence, and poverty, proving that their voices matter and that their ideas can inspire change.
One of those voices belonged to Quincy St. Louis, a School of the Arts student, who spoke about gun violence among adolescents. “I have never done anything like this before,” said Quincy. “It was a great opportunity to stand up, present my own topic, and have my voice heard on a big stage. This is important – not just for people my age, but for those who look like me and for those who might not have the courage to speak up.”
Students also received words of encouragement from Rochester Mayor Malik Evans. “I hope you understand that you can have a voice, even at a young age,” said Evans. “Even though you may be 14 or 15 years old, you do not have to wait until you are 40 to share your opinion. More importantly, you can use your words for good. Words matter; they have power, and I also want you to remember the power of storytelling.”
Project Soapbox is a partnership with the Mikva Challenge, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering youth. Select students from Rochester’s event will be invited to participate in Soapbox Nation, a nationwide forum that amplifies youth perspectives on issues that matter most to them.
