Getting the student perspective! In the first part of two episodes, Travis Nipper is joined by Suzanna Davis and two Ohio students who have been chosen to serve on the Hope Squad National Council. We get to know Olivia Marshall from Lakota East High School and Sarah Johnson of Ross High School. The women share their stories of why they are involved with Hope Squad and how Hope Squad has positively impacted their schools, Suzanna also introduces us to the Hope Squad National Council and its purpose.
The first of our three guests, Sarah Johnson, introduces herself and shares some of her involvement at Ross High School (2:09)
Our second guest, Olivia Marshall, introduces herself and shares her involvement at Lakota East High School (2:45)
Olivia begins by telling us how being a part of a Hope Squad means being able to listen and accept other people of all backgrounds as well as the general importance of spreading positivity to her peers (3:40)
Sarah then gets a chance to share how Hope Squad, to her, means kindness to everyone she sees and having a positive impact on her school community (4:43)
Next, our two student guests provide their background and past experience with Hope Squad (6:11)
Olivia then discusses how she has witnessed the Lakota East student body, and the community as a whole, grow closer with the introduction of Hope Squad (6:48)
Sarah gives insight as to how Hope Squad has created a more positive environment at Ross through notes on lockers, signs in the hallway, and involvement in the Walk for Hope– all reminders to their peers how they are appreciated and valued (7:51)
Suzanna Davis, our Director of Programming and third guest, introduces the Hope Squad National Council and its potential to empower the voices of students across the country (9:13)
Additionally, Suzanna shares her excitement to have three students from our Midwest region not only participate, but have a substantial impact on the national council (10:08)
Then, Sarah explains her role as a representative of Hope Squad at multiple conferences and as a general support outlet for local Hope Squad members (10:49)
Similarly, Olivia adds how she has seen students from different states come together to share ideas about what makes their respective Hope Squads successful at their schools (11:48)
Travis finally thanks our guests for this episode and mentions how they will be back next episode for our very first student mic drops! (12:45)
Listen to Episode 8
Guests:
Olivia Marshall attends Lakota East High School in Liberty Township, Ohio. She loves theater and performing with her high school and community theater! She hopes to become a social worker so she can work with kids in the foster system, or LGBTQ+ youth. She wants to inspire her peers to support each other, no matter their differences.
Sarah Johnson lives in Hamilton, Ohio and attends Ross High School. She absolutely loves Hope Squad, and her goal is to expand the program to more schools. Her favorite aspect of Hope Squads is the work they do to spread positivity and make every student feel valued. She can’t wait to spread these messages to even more people!
Suzanna Davis, Director of Programming, Grant Us Hope – Twitter: @SD4HOPE
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