CHAMPION — High school senior Treyahnna Simun isn’t afraid to use her voice.

Whether she’s leading warm-ups in the high school choir room, actively engaging in classroom discussions or providing insights to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW), this teen’s voice is making a difference.

Treyahnna’s latest platform is the Ohio Student Voice Work Group, an initiative launched by the ODEW in December

2023.

This program brings together select Ohio students in grades eight through 12 to provide honest feedback and suggestions on education policies and initiatives, including attendance, literacy, mental health and math.

Group members meet virtually, after school, once a month from September through April to learn, share perspectives and propose solutions.

“It’s eye-opening,” Treyahnna said of what she’s learned. “We talk about major issues facing schools, but also the everyday things — like school atmosphere, how districts engage students and their communities, leadership opportunities, problem-solving activities and careers. I really appreciate how open and student-centered the communication and discussions are.”

Treyahnna has been inspired to apply what she’s learning, particularly in choir class, where she’s working with teacher Katie Ahmed to create more student-led discussions and exercises. The transition has been a gradual one, but Simun said she is seeing a shift in her classmates.

“They seem more engaged, more active, and more excited to learn,” she said. “It makes me so happy when they tell me, ‘We did this because of choir.'”

Ahmed agrees that the impact has been positive.

“Treyahnna has brought a strong sense of leadership, unity and fun to concert and acapella choir this year. Her ability to keep her peers motivated through fun activities has truly strengthened both choirs. Treyahnna’s daily check-ins and positive feedback with students makes them feel valued and cared about.”

ODEW encourages school districts to implement their own “student voice” groups as a means of gathering student thoughts, ideas, opinions and values in educational plans. Utilizing student voices in decision-making can help districts design programming and policy that engages and supports the unique needs of a school’s student population.

Treyahnna said she has found the experience inspiring, as she hears how students across Ohio are driving change in their schools.

“It’s been amazing to learn from other students’ experiences and cool to hear how they’re making changes in their schools,” she said.

As she considers a future career in education, possibly as a music teacher or counselor, Treyahnna knows speaking up will continue to be a force for good. And while she may be just one voice, it’s one that’s already making an impact.