From Idea to Impact: How Students Lead Change in Troy

In the fall of the 2022–23 school year, a small group of juniors approached district leadership with a bold idea: create a space where student voice, leadership, and agency could sit at the center of meaningful conversations about school culture, community, and student experience. That conversation sparked the formation of the Troy School District Student Equity Council (SEC) — a student-led, district-supported group rooted in care, leadership, and growth.

According to Dr. Yancy, the council’s advisor, SEC was born out of necessity. “It’s a story of us finding one another,” she said. “These students wanted to address harm and bias from a systems-wide lens and create a leadership space where they could support one another.” Since its creation, SEC has grown into a powerful platform where students lead real, lasting change in their schools and across the district.

Joining the Student Equity Council isn’t about holding a title — it’s about commitment and impact. At the start of every school year, SEC hosts a series of open-door meetings where interested students can observe, ask questions, and connect. Through word-of-mouth, school visits, social media, and a passion-based interest form, students are welcomed into the space and encouraged to find their fit — whether in an existing committee or by creating their own lane. The result is a passionate group of student leaders who develop powerful skills in communication, strategic planning, project management, empathy, peer support, and advocacy.

Dr. Yancy shared that the most rewarding part of advising SEC has been working alongside student leaders who are deeply committed to change. “I never leave a space without learning how to be a better human when I’m in the presence of SEC members and really the entire TSD student population,” she said. “They advocate for each other, humanity, and for better outcomes across the board.” That balance of guidance and student leadership is at the heart of SEC’s success. “We’re collaborators and partners in the journey. That motivates and keeps things moving onward and upward.”

In just two years, SEC has already made a profound impact. From launching the district-wide Harm and Bias Reporting Tool to organizing events like district-wide read-ins, meet and greets, and a student-produced podcast, the council is raising awareness and sparking change. One of their proudest moments? Hosting a student-led discussion around the importance of inclusive school celebrations and events. Troy High senior Seojin (Sarah) Lee recalled the experience as transformative.

“It taught me to listen to the voices that were affected,” she said. “It also showed me that vulnerability is a strength — especially in spaces where decisions are being made.”

Beyond project work, SEC has also collaborated with other student groups and schools. One standout initiative was the first joint MLK celebration and Middle School Leadership Conference, co-hosted with the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board (SSAB) and Black Student Union (BSU). “Coming together to tackle community problems was so fulfilling,” Seojin said.

The future of the SEC is full of promise. A new initiative, Operation Belonging, is set to launch in the upcoming school year and aims to further amplify student voices across the district.

And the message to new students interested in getting involved? “Come join us!” said Seojin. “Your perspective matters. We can make your goals a reality.”

In Troy, student leaders aren’t just dreaming of a better future — they’re building it, one initiative at a time.

Blog post written by Jayla Turner, Communications Intern.