Board member Katherine H. Smith described the student speakers who shared their messages at last night’s Board Meeting as an example of, “what makes this country great.” Gladiator Times staff sat down with two of these students, and one teacher (“Gilbert family members”) who shared their messages in support of Measure K and the need for Gilbert High School to receive funding. They shared their stories with us and gave us permission to publish their words here:
Henessy Sanchez
Before the meeting I was feeling a mixture of emotions, anxious, nervous but also excited to have a role in this. This was an important meeting for the fact that the other students who spoke including me were the voice for Gilbert High School a continuation school that we feel is forgotten. Gilbert High School has given so many students a second chance, I was never involved in my school and I was not attending, I didn’t feel like my home school supported me as I was going through a pretty rough time but at this continuation school I have had teachers and my friends support me and help me get back on track with my school work this school gave me opportunity and it deserves to have a nice building. I wanted to make sure my speech focused on 2 topics that have been discussed a lot by other students like the need for a safer fence and nicer bathrooms. I practiced my speech with my friends although I feel that caused me to be more nervous questioning if what I wrote was enough which made me feel uneasy.
I wasn’t aware there would be so many people which caught me by surprise, waiting for my name to be called was the worst part, my nerves were all over the place and hearing the excellent student speakers talk before me made me have a bit of self doubt. As my name was called I got so sweaty and walked up nervously I could see everyone staring waiting for me to start speaking as I was up there I felt so nervous I was shaking so much but as I spoke I felt the tension ease a bit, I could see everyone paying such close attention to me I felt as if each word I said was being questioned In their head like what is this girl talking about but I saw people nodding their heads taking in each statement I made. as I said thank you after I was finished speaking a wave of relief went over me.
It had felt like an accomplishment to have done something that could benefit my school and future students attending Gilbert High School. Even though I was horribly nervous at first It felt really good to come sit back down and hear my friends say that I did good and that they were proud of me. I hope I made my point across to make an impact and that Gilbert High School will get the support it needs.
Mrs. Buker
A huge thank you to all who helped out and turned out to support our students speaking about Gilbert’s facility needs and Measure K at the board meeting last night! The board members remarked that this was a great example of civic engagement, and that our student’s voices have been heard.
Hello my name is Claudia-Elena Michel and I’m a student at Gilbert High School. Back in my home school I wasn’t the best student there. I would always have F’s because I couldn’t focus or teachers weren’t the best at explaining things. I never asked for help because I would get scared or nervous for them to say I wasn’t paying attention. When I got to Gilbert High School I changed by a lot. For example, last quarter I had all A’s and was proud of myself for going to school everyday. I joined the Rainbow Gladiators, Rooted, a music class and even a business class. On back to school night I made four dozen muffins for the Rainbow Gladiators to support the class and the school. In my Rooted class I’ve realized that they’ve helped me be more social, helping me find a job and even supporting me. Another thing I did on back to school night was saying a speech for my music class and even helping out in the drum circle. When I heard that there was a business class I knew I had to join it for my muffin business and my eternal roses business. Everyday when I walk into school I always get a “hey, how are you?” or “how’s your business going?” or even a fist bump with a smile and that always makes my day. Gilbert High School has always been a supporting school and just wants to help their students to graduate on time. One thing I have noticed is that Gilbert gives out a lot of love and support but doesn’t get it back. I feel like they need to remodel the school to make it look cleaner and safer. With your support and love we will appreciate anything for our campus. Thank you.
