Coming to Stagg, the speakers of the Dialogues of Distinction included students in a discussion. This discussion got students involved in coming up with various solutions for issues they proposed. Students got to participate throughout the whole workshop, and thought it was beneficial.  

Senior Sierra Brandt was one of many students satisfied with the way the workshop went. She was impressed with the turnout. “Our entire chemistry class was there,” she said.

This presentation was held a little less than a month ago. When those attending walked into the theater, they received an orange folder. Each had a colored dot on the back, which would tell them what issue they would talk about in their groups. But not before the introductions and questions.

Principal Bill Parks began by welcoming the guests to Stagg High School, and how proud he was of all its students. He, of course, talked about what could improve as well. Keeping it short, he said to the group, “I was generally one of those students that needed someone to push me, I understand.”

And that’s exactly why this group of individuals met, to find ways to push students. Superintendent Carl Toliver said very bluntly, “If you drop out, your chance at success is low.”

These speakers were followed by Dr. Elizabeth Molina Morgan, who talked about how “education is the gateway to opportunity.”

During her brief introduction, She turned to Parks and asked him to clarify his latter comment about the dropout rate. When Parks told her that Stagg had a graduation rate of 90 percent last year, she replied with “that’s incredible.”

“However, we are here to make that 100 percent,” someone murmured in the crowd.

Going in with a determined attitude, all attendees went to their designated areas to discuss their topics. They were to present possible suggestions to the rest of the group when it was time.

Brandt enjoyed having this time with a smaller group and found it the most effective. “When we were separated, it was good to elaborate on specific issues,” she said.

The first group was to discuss how the community can get involved in education. When they came back to a whole group, this topic proposed several suggestions. They recommended mentoring and more internship programs.

One of the most  heated topics was parent involvement. This group talked about the importance of parental figures. Those in the group said things like “parents need to make the child want to come to school” or “some kids don’t even talk to their parents.”

Brandt was all ears when it came time for the suggestions to be presented. “It was nice hearing everyone else’s opinions,” she said.

The final two groups discussed how to include the youth’s voice in issues and how to make schools better overall. They proposed similar things: strong, safe programs and pushing determination.

Parks and several other speakers commented on the fact that there were a good number of students present. Parks was impressed. “I’m happy to see students here,” he said. “That means they are starting to show initiative and that’s what we want.”

Senior Aaron Vega and other students that went to the workshop seemed to have the same judgement. “I really liked it,” he said. “I thought it was a very pleasant experience.”