The Superintendent’s Youth Advisory Council (SYAC) was created to ensure that student voices help shape the future of Clover Park School District 

Launched in 2023 as a small pilot group, SYAC has grown into a districtwide, student-led leadership council with representatives from each CPSD high school. The council meets monthly with Superintendent Banner and district leaders to discuss issues impacting student experience, belonging and equity. SYAC is intentionally structured to be student-driven, with members identifying priority topics and collaborating on projects that support positive change.  

Over the past two years, SYAC students have explored a range of issues that directly affect student well-being and school culture, pairing student research with action-oriented projects. Areas of focus have included mental health awareness, vaping and fentanyl prevention, as well as community service initiatives designed to strengthen connections between schools and the broader community.  

SYAC members have turned student concerns into tangible projects, including student-created vaping and fentanyl awareness video series that focus on education, prevention and safety. Using a similar process for both efforts, students researched the topics, collaborated with peers and district partners, and helped produce videos designed to increase awareness of the risks and long-term health impacts associated with substance use.  

SYAC members have also contributed to district policy discussions and community-based projects. Students provided input on updates to the district’s sexual harassment policy, collaborated on youth mental health and wellness efforts, and worked with school leaders to help create safe spaces where students feel a sense of belonging. Beyond school walls, students have participated in visits to assisted living facilities and helped at park cleanup efforts, reinforcing the SYAC’s commitment to service and civic responsibility.   

For Clover Park High School (CPHS) senior Marco Muñoz, joining SYAC was inspired by a desire to advocate for others.  

“I truly felt like I could make a change within our district that can positively affect students,” Muñoz said.  

He joined SYAC with a strong interest in raising awareness around mental health and disabilities. Over time, his perspective evolved as he gained experience as a council member.  

Through SYAC, Muñoz has strengthened his collaboration skills and learned how to share ideas, plan strategically and anticipate challenges. Those skills now inform his role as CPHS’s ASB vice president, where he focuses on ensuring all student voices are represented.  

Harrison Preparatory School senior Lola Stephens was drawn to SYAC because of the opportunity to help identify challenges and work collaboratively to address them.  

“I liked the idea of being a part of change in the district,” Stephens said.  

When she first joined, Stephens expected SYAC discussions to follow predetermined talking points. Instead, she found a space shaped by ongoing dialogue.  

“It’s always student-directed discussion, and we are always welcome to bring up new things or modify our goals as we go,” she said.  

She now serves as ASB president at Harrison Preparatory School and has participated in civic engagement opportunities beyond school, including speaking in support of the district at a city council meeting.  

“District leaders listen with open minds and genuine interest,” Stephens said. 

Open Doors student A’Saiya Mccord said her motivation for joining SYAC centered on creating safer, more supportive school environments. She wanted to be a student who speaks up for others and helps ensure her peers feel seen, heard and supported.  

“SYAC is a place where you can be heard, grow and build bonds with other students,” Mccord said. “It’s helped me understand that I am a leader, that I care deeply about others and that I can make a difference by standing up for what’s right.”  

Lakes High School student Neriyah Doamekpo joined SYAC to ensure students have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their schools and experiences. She said the council has provided opportunities to move beyond discussion and into action, allowing students to help lead conversations and projects that drive change.  

“SYAC isn’t just about showing up. We get to lead discussions, plan projects and have a say in what happens.  It’s made me more confident stepping into leadership roles and helping others find their voice too,” said Doamekpo.

As SYAC continues to grow, its impact is felt both individually and across the district and community. Students gain confidence, leadership skills and a deeper understanding of civic engagement, while district leaders gain valuable insight into student experiences that help inform policies, programs and priorities. By creating an ongoing partnership between students and decision-makers, SYAC helps ensure district initiatives reflect the voices and needs of the students they are designed to serve.  

For students considering applying, Stephens offers simple advice.  

“If you have ideas for improvement or recognize areas that need growth, you should apply,” she said. “The more voices that are heard, the bigger the impact.”  

Through SYAC, CPSD is ensuring its future is shaped not just for students, but with them.