3rd Annual Student Voices Project

Our third annual Student Voices Project brought in the creative works of over 150 middle school and high school students from seven schools and educational venues in five different U.S. states. We selected 16 honorees whose submissions are featured here. This year’s theme of Building Community was introduced as follows:

We are all connected and we all need each other. The Friends community testimony is fundamentally about responding to the needs of others, both within one’s immediate circle and in the extended human family. A healthy community encourages sharing, caring, authenticity, respect, and fellowship among the individuals that make up the larger group. In this environment, members can look to the group for wisdom and support, allowing collective experience to increase the strength, vision, and creativity of each person.

We supplied the students with four prompt options to choose from, touching on the various aspects of living or participating in community. Look for the options in word bubbles on the following pages, including five visual art pieces placed throughout. Lastly, starting on page 17 you will find a complete list of all 153 students who participated in the project this year. We thank you for sharing your work with us. Until next year, keep learning, writing, and creating!

Also read the Among Friends column introducing this issue.

PDF version of the 2016 Student Voices (right click to download)

• Option 1: What are the important elements of building a loving, safe, and supportive community?
• Option 2: What are some ways to support and care for each member of your community?
• Option 3: What happens when there are differences or conflicts within a community?
• Option 4: Share an example of a community working together to accomplish a greater goal.
• Thanks: Thank you to all of the participants of the third annual Student Voices Project!