Students spotlight Meridian High's Latinos in Action program at school board meeting

Meridian School Board meeting March 11 recognized Meridian High School's Latinos in Action class, where a five-student panel described weekly reading visits with first-graders, leadership work and cultural programming. Principal Sean Dauphin introduced the panel and teacher Kayla Brunson, saying the students 'have taken on the role of advocates and leaders' for their peers.

'My students have absolutely exceeded all expectations,' Brunson said, describing regular visits to a local elementary first-grade classroom and partnerships that help build students' reading confidence. Students on the panel—who identified themselves as Daisy, Wilma, Melissa, Melanie, Isaac and Sergio—told the board they practice reading with first-grade buddies, host fundraisers and plan to attend a regional conference next Friday.

The presentation tied into the district's emphasis on student voice and career-readiness skills. The students said the course blends identity and culture work with practical skills such as conflict resolution, public presentation and planning fundraising events; one student described selling food at football games to raise funds. Board members praised the panel and asked about partnerships with regional Latinos in Action groups and Western Washington University, which the students are scheduled to visit.

Dauphin highlighted the presentation as a model for student engagement, noting the panel's role in informing staff about classroom experiences and how the school is using student voice to identify barriers and supports. He and board members encouraged continued community connections and thanked the students and teacher for bringing first-hand perspectives to the board.

The board gave the students a round of applause and signaled interest in exploring additional partnerships with regional advocacy and leadership organizations.