At Springbrook High School, the Students Speak Out Club is doing more than meeting after school. It is creating a space where students can share their perspectives, discuss important issues, and stay informed about the world around them.
Founded by junior Yohanna Seife, the club was created with the goal of giving students a supportive environment where they can express themselves freely and engage in thoughtful conversations without fear of judgment.
“Students Speak Out was an idea I had during the summer before my sophomore year, but I never realized how much of an impact it would have on students’ lives,” Seife said. “I’ve always had a passion for the news and for educating myself on what is happening in the world. Giving students a space to do the same is what motivated me to bring this idea to life. I wanted to create a space where students could not only talk about world events, but also feel comfortable speaking their minds while learning about new topics.”
During meetings, club members explore current events and major issues that affect both students and communities beyond Springbrook. Conversations have included topics such as Project 2025, HBCUs versus PWIs, ICE and immigration issues, and natural disasters such as Hurricane Milton. Through these discussions, students are encouraged not only to learn about important topics, but also to form and share their own perspectives on them.
The club also provides students with an opportunity to express their ideas through writing. Members can contribute to the Student Edition Blog by writing about important events and issues, allowing other students to read, reflect, and engage with those topics. In addition to sharing their voices, students can also earn SSL hours through their contributions.
Beyond discussion and writing, Students Speak Out has also led service-based initiatives. One meaningful project involved writing letters to firefighters in Los Angeles who were battling devastating wildfires. After learning more about the crisis and the risks firefighters faced each day, club members decided to write and send thank-you cards as a way to show their appreciation.
That project gave students a broader perspective on the challenges people face outside their own community. It served as a reminder that while local issues often receive the most attention, events happening elsewhere can also have a major impact on thousands of lives.
As more students join, Students Speak Out continues to grow into a place where students can ask questions, share ideas, and stay informed. More than just another club, it has become a community where students are encouraged to use their voices in meaningful ways.
Every other Friday in Room G-314, students have the chance to do more than attend a meeting. They have the opportunity to speak out, listen, and take part in conversations that matter.
