Credit: Sandy Run.
Last Thursday, Sandy Run Middle School held its annual SpeakUp! event, a program designed to encourage open conversations between students, parents, guardians, and staff. The event gives students a chance to share their experiences and challenges in small group discussions with adults who are there to listen, support, and learn.
A team of 60 students from 7th and 8th grade took the lead in selecting topics they felt were most important to their peers. Before the event, these student leaders participated in three hours of after-school training to help them facilitate these conversations.
SpeakUp! is a nonprofit organization that works to create spaces where young people can talk openly about their concerns while helping the adults in their lives become better listeners and supporters. To encourage honest dialogue, parents are placed in different discussion groups than their own children, giving everyone a chance to hear new perspectives without added pressure.
Sandy Run school counselor Kathi Babin noted that families consistently find value in the event, and there is always interest in continuing these discussions beyond the program itself.
Student leader Brandon Tweedy-Strong shared his own positive experience, saying, “SpeakUp! gives us the opportunity to explain to parents what their children are going through. I’ve seen parents learn and benefit from it. As a student leader, I’ve grown in my leadership and public speaking skills.”
This year, nearly 200 students and adults participated, discussing topics such as mental health, relationships, body image, and managing expectations.
Sandy Run Principal Jennifer Nuskey emphasized why programs like this matter.
“We believe that supporting students’ overall wellness enhances their ability to learn," she said. "That’s why we’re so committed to providing these kinds of opportunities for our students, staff, and families.”
The conversations don’t just benefit students and parents—staff members gain valuable insights as well.
“Hearing students speak so honestly about their experiences made me think about how I, as an adult, can do better," one teacher said.
