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BSAC Passion and Promise on Display at End-of-the-Year Showcase

Girl standing in front of poster board talking to people who have come up to ask questions

Cell phone use, the creation of student-centered spaces, and increased mental health supports were some of the issues highlighted at the Boston Student Advisory Council’s (BSAC) 2025 annual showcase.

More than 100 Boston Public Schools (BPS) students representing 24 high schools gathered for a fun, energy-filled end-of-the-year celebration and send off to its graduating members that included spoken word, poetry, a performance by the Fenway High School Dance Troupe, and a message from Superintendent Mary Skipper. 

BSAC members enthusiastically discussed their “passion projects,” which were displayed throughout the second floor School Committee room at the Bolling Building. The program also included an update on the organization’s collective efforts to explore cell phone use in schools.

“I am so impressed that our students juggle school, homework, jobs, and responsibilities at home and still find time to contribute to BSAC,” said Superintendent Skipper. “I will always reserve a seat at the table for our students. We can learn so much by listening to their experiences and ideas. It is my hope that our graduating seniors will continue to lift their voices as they move on and stay involved in the issues they care about.”

In an ongoing effort to encourage middle school students to get involved in student leadership, the showcase also included greetings from members of the Sarah Greenwood K-8 School student council. Under the direction of the Office of Youth Leadership, the recruitment strategy is working as BSAC’s numbers continue to grow. BSAC reported 46 active members this year representing 24 schools - up from 13 schools in 2024. 

Students’ “passion projects” were developed with support from SparkShare, a non-profit dedicated to students making change in the community. Excel High School senior Andrena Adams raised awareness about school cleanliness. A member for three years, Adams noted the importance of including middle schoolers. “We are the future. At some point we need to speak up” she said.

BSAC outgoing President Nisrine Feham and Social Media Chair Angel Depina worked to combat negative stereotypes of young women of color perpetuated by reality television. They created “Girls Girls,” a positive space inspired by restorative justice circles that would include career exploration and other positive discussion topics. 

It’s been a busy year for BSAC, which held numerous events to draw attention to important topics impacting young people including a Youth Town Hall in partnership with Mayor Wu and the Mayor’s Youth Council; the Young Visionary Leadership Conference which included industry leaders in various sectors; the LGTBQ+Femm+Empowerment Summit, a day of workshops, performances, and community building; and a trip to Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office to learn about the STUDY Act bill, meet the Attorney General Office’s Youth Council members.

Several graduating seniors reflected on their BSAC experience and the impact it has had on their lives from connecting with students from other BPS schools to working directly with district leadership to advocate for change.   

Snowden senior and BSAC member Channel Mejia said, “It’s a community I will never forget.”