Middle School Students Show Civic Readiness with Interdisciplinary PSA Project

Students in Lincoln Middle School’s summer program wanted the community to know what they’re passionate about.
 
They stand for accepting differences. Black Lives. LGBTQIA+. Asian Lives. They stand with people who are protecting their freedom. Education. Equal rights.
 
The students worked together to collectively create a brief second Public Service Announcement (PSA) to capture their stance as young and informed youth citizens, charged with empowering fellow community members.
 
Summer school site principal Andrea Ellis-Smith came up with the idea for this project as a way for students to demonstrate awareness of their roles as civic-minded and culturally aware citizens who have the potential to impact change in their communities. 
 
“I wanted the students to walk away from summer school with an added value to their reasons for attending,” Ms. Ellis-Smith explained. “It is critically important we catch them up in English and Math; however, growing their social awareness as young civic-minded citizens is equally as important.”
 
The students worked together to brainstorm several ‘I Stand’ statements and create a t-shirt design that shows their artistic expression. They used their writing skills to script their message, and even helped film the PSA, acting as directors.
 
Huntington student Tajhan Edwards was one of the directors. He said the project was a great way to show support for his classmates and friends.
 
“I think we might be able to get a message out there that we can all be united if we come together,” he said. “Equality is important to me. I wanted to support my friends, and this allowed me to help support them with their struggles by supporting what they stand for. It makes me feel good.”
 
Lincoln student Azariah Burke said she felt empowered by the project.
 
“It’s important that adults know that kids have voices, too,” she explained. “I’ve heard a lot of people saying ‘all lives matter.’ I’ve seen people act a certain way toward someone because of their sexual orientation. Some people complain about school, but I believe that you need education for your future. This project was a respectful way of sharing our opinion and letting adults know that we have a voice.”
 
Thanks to a sponsorship from Lamacchia Honda, students were provided with printed t-shirts showing their final design. We’re proud of these #SCSDCivicReady student leaders! 
 
To view the final PSA that students created, click here!