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March 9, 2023 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN PAGE 3

PLYMOUTH
PLYMOUTH

District students advise school board members

Plymouth-Canton Community said Wilson, who is also the CEO
Schools students are making an of the Boys and Girls Clubs of
impact - in real time and in an Southeastern Michigan. “As a
official capacity - on school dis- member of the board and some-
trict policies through a newly cre- one who loves this community,
ated committee. I'm amazed every day at the pas-
The students, through the sion and wisdom our young peo-
Student Voice in Action ple are bringing to the table.”
Committee (SVA), are part of the Officially formed in December
Plymouth Canton Community 2022, the SVA Committee is off to
Schools Board of Education. A a fast start. The group meets
brainchild of Board of Education twice a month to tackle issues
President Shawn Wilson and that are important to students -
approved unanimously by the from safety matters to classroom
board, the student committee learning to health and wellness.
members are already offering In addition to attending board
student perspectives on some meetings, the next milestone for
key issues affecting them, includ- students on the SVA Committee
ing diversity, equity, and inclu- is working with board members
sion initiatives, social-emotional and administrators to implement 88.1 The Park radio station Community Focus interview of 2022 Student Voice and Action Committee.
health programs within the dis- their recommendations. dent Haidy Zhang. “This not only change, and I believe that togeth- bers of the SVA Committee.
trict, and ways to enhance the The SVA committee includes allows administration to gain er we can make a positive impact “By providing a platform for
student experience both in and about 60 students from grades 6- deeper insight on the needs of on our community for years to student voices, student agency
out of the classroom, officials 12 who attend all five district the students, but this also helps come,” Zhang said. and student action, the SVA
said. middle schools, Canton, Salem foster a sense of belonging and In addition to Wilson and stu- Committee supports our district's
“At Plymouth-Canton and Plymouth high schools and inclusion for the student body.” dents, board members Anupam dynamic plan of connecting all
Community Schools, getting the Starkweather Academy. “For me, being a part of SVA Chugh Sidhu and Lauren aspects of a student's learning
perspectives of our students on “SVA provides a platform for has been a remarkable experi- Christensen, as well as experience, inside and outside
policies that affect them is essen- students to voice their concerns ence. It has given me the oppor- Superintendent Dr. Monica the classroom,” Merritt said. “As
tial if we're going to encourage and ideas on school policies that tunity to connect with so many Merritt and Assistant educators, we're thrilled to see
independent thinking, problem have a direct effect on them,” other students who share an Superintendent Dr. Liz our students act as engaged citi-
solving and student leadership,” said committee member and stu- equal passion for initiating Vartanian-Gibbs, are also mem- zens.”
Legislator supports protection of election workers

State Rep. Matt Koleszar, D- will provide sufficient funding to
Plymouth, strongly supports pro- ” township, city and county clerks
posed legislation to protect elec- “Safe and secure elections to ensure their security and the
tion workers in the state. are the cornerstone of our democracy. security of their elections and vot-
Secretary of State Jocelyn ers, according to a statement
Benson, the chairs of both the from Benson's office.
Senate and House elections com- “I am proud of the work I've
mittees, and numerous other law- work to do,” said Benson. “We are ban and increase the penalty for done as a member of the House
makers, including Koleszar, are in an era of misinformation with threatening or harassing election elections committee and I look
promoting legislative plans to voters being lied to about their workers and for pressuring elec- forward to continuing that work
protect the people who protect right to vote and election workers tion officials to act illegally. The in the majority,” said Koleszar .
democracy - the thousands of subject to a near constant barrage group plans to introduce legisla- “Safe and secure elections are
election workers and millions of of threats and harassment for tion to ban deceptive practices in the cornerstone of our democra-
voters in Michigan. “We have simply doing their jobs. We must elections such as lying to voters cy, and I am happy to continue to
made great strides expanding the do more to protect the people when seeking their signatures on work with Secretary Benson on
voice and protecting the vote of who protect democracy.” State petitions and knowingly sharing reforms to protect the right to
every Michigan citizen over these lawmakers said they plan to rein- false information about elections vote and ensure fair, transparent,
last few years, but we have more troduce and enact legislation to and citizens' ability to vote and and accessible elections.” State Rep. Matt Koleszar