Cato-Meridian Junior-Senior High School has switched its forum to a student-led model this school year, transitioning leadership and planning from administrators to students.

The forum concept was introduced to Cato-Meridian in 2022 by Junior-Senior High School Principal Jennifer Kelly, who brought the idea from her previous school district as a way to bring the school community together on a regular basis.

“When I came here in 2022, I brought the idea of forum from my previous school district to Cato-Meridian,” Kelly said. “It is an opportunity for us to get together as a whole school, review what is going on and set up for the week as a community. We also use this time to celebrate successes.”

Forum has now evolved into a student-led initiative after Student Council leaders expressed interest in taking a more active role. The Junior-Senior High School Student Council now plans and facilitates weekly forums, with students leading both activities and discussions.

Each session typically begins with activities designed to engage the audience, followed by discussions focused on topics relevant to the student body.

“We thought that if forum was hosted by their peers, students would be more likely to participate. It also gives people experience in public speaking, which is one of the most important skills to develop before graduating high school,” said Everett Cox, student council president.

Once each month, Student Council invites a club or class to lead forum, giving additional students the opportunity to contribute ideas and design programming.

“Once a month, we will hand forum over to a club or a class,” Cox said. “They get to run forum and put their ideas into it. It gives them freedom to be creative.”

Student Council officers meet weekly to plan forum content, an experience Cox said has helped students build confidence and leadership skills.

Student response to the redesigned forum has been positive, with students describing recent sessions as proud, entertaining, perfect and exciting.