The Kent School District (KSD) Athletics and Activities Building hosted the first Inter-high meeting of the school year. The event brings together Associated Student Body (ASB) and leadership students from KSD’s four comprehensive high schools. It gives student leaders a chance to talk about topics affecting their schools, meet with district leaders, and take new ideas back to their campuses.

Kentwood High School ASB President Brody shared why the event is important: “It's going be helpful to share ideas, get all the schools on a similar path and goal.” Kentridge High School leadership student Jaref felt the same way, saying, “I think good things are going to come out of it... I think this will be something good for our school.”

Building connections between students from all four high schools was one goal of the meeting.  The morning started with breakfast and a simple icebreaker activity where students introduced themselves. Later, each student created an illustration that showed parts of who they are that others may not know. They then used their drawings to introduce themselves again and share more about their interests, experiences, and identities.

From that opening, the KSD Athletics and Activities Director Brian Smith led the students to discussion about the issues they each observe in their schools and narrowing their focus into three issues concerning their school. The conversation then explored how each student present can guide their schools and help enact positive change. Students learned from one another and left with new ideas to bring back to their school communities.

Through Inter-high, students build leadership skills, learn from one another, and help strengthen their school communities. The event supports KSD’s mission of preparing all students for their futures by empowering students to lead, collaborate, and make a positive impact in their schools. Kentlake ASB President Daisy shared her thoughts on the value of Inter-high, saying, “There are ideas that we have and it's better for the district, because that's what I want—I want to leave the legacy of students wanting to go to school.”