The Frenship Memorial Student Advisory Committee is composed of 62 students from Heritage Middle School, Terra Vista Middle School, and Frenship’s Ninth Grade Center. Students from each of these campuses voluntarily applied for the committee to let their voices be heard and ideas be shared.  

Frenship Memorial Principal Chelsey Campbell decided to form the student advisory group because she knew that having student involvement would be crucial in opening a new school.  

“My inspiration behind creating a student advisory group was knowing I needed as much student involvement, feedback, and engagement as possible,” said Campbell. “Opening a new high school is such an advantage for our students. But, in order for them to really see the difference it will make for them, I wanted the planning process to be student centered. I want them involved in the decision-making process as much as they can be at the student level. I want to hear their preferences, what they think the challenges might be, and try my best to ensure the environment reflects their needs and interests.” 

Freshman Ethan Hronek will be a future Memorial High School Panther and has enjoyed serving on the committee so far. He believes that it’s important for students to share their ideas and perspectives on various decisions.  

“I want to be able to know that what I’m saying is heard and share my ideas,” said Hronek. “I think it’s better when you get a bunch of ideas together instead of just a few ideas. It gives you a wider variety of ideas to pick from instead of just a few ideas, and it let's everyone say something.” 

Principal Campbell strongly agrees that having student perspectives from Heritage, Terra Vista, and the Ninth Grade Center will impact Memorial High School in several ways.  

“I feel like each of our student advisory groups from HMS, TVMS, and NGC will hold such a special place in the heart of Memorial High School. They have put so much effort and time into providing feedback, really thinking about what is best for students, and how things will look for us as we move forward,” said Campbell.  

Not only has it benefited the decision-making process, but the students involved are gaining valuable leadership skills and strategic communication skills by working together.  

“It has been a wonderful leadership opportunity for each of these students. They have built relationships with one another, learned to express their thoughts and needs, all while hearing and respecting the thoughts of those around them,” said Campbell. “I have seen them light up with excitement and pure joy when they come back to our meetings with feedback from their peers. I am seeing great student leadership and communication skills growing as they work through the tasks before them.” 

Freshman Maddie Helms joined the advisory committee because she wanted to play a role in shaping Frenship’s future. She believes that there will be more opportunities for students to get involved and excel once Memorial High School officially opens.  

“I joined the committee because I wanted to help the school,” said Helms. “It’s exciting because once the school opens there will be more opportunities for students because there will be less people joining one thing.” 

Hronek echoes this message and is most looking forward to joining Memorial High School’s first choir group.  

“I am most looking forward to being in choir, because I’ll be the oldest group there, and that is really appealing to me,” said Hronek.  

The feedback from students at each meeting has been very thoughtful and insightful. The students have shared their ideas on the future school and fight songs, lettermen jackets, hand sign, and other spirit related decisions.  

“They are very classic in many of their choices. They are loving classic designs for letter jackets, school song, fight song and other spirit related items. They really want to show that Memorial is their own school, with their own set of traditions and values, but they have such a respect and feel responsible for upholding the highest of expectations and standards, just as we always do in Frenship. They don't hold back, and I love to see that confidence growing in each of them,” said Campbell.  

The students are also brainstorming back-to-school related events and how to kick-off the next school year. While change can be scary, the students are really looking forward to bringing their ideas to life.  

"We have utilized all of their feedback to help us begin to build school traditions, pride, and excitement,” said Campbell. “We are currently working through what the back-to-school events will be and what their needs are moving forward. They are each so excited to see the new building and facilities, as we all are, but they are truly taking into account what our students are going to need and how we can help them transition.” 

Principal Campbell plans to continue utilizing the student advisory committee even after the opening of Memorial High School.  

"These groups have put so much heart and effort into helping us create a successful school environment; we want to continue to partner with them in the future. They are so valuable to administration, giving us feedback we might not hear otherwise,” said Campbell.  

The partnership with the student advisory committee has been invaluable in shaping the future of Memorial High School. 

“Student perspectives and their needs are very important to us, but sometimes you really have to dig in with these leadership groups to get that valuable information.  We love to see the collaboration, and the confidence boost it gives the students as well,” said Campbell. “We know that over the coming months we will have so many exciting moments, but like the opening of anything, we anticipate we will have challenges as well. We know that partnering with this group to tackle those challenges or issues is essential.” 

Principal Campbell’s favorite part of helping to lead the student advisory committee has been simply working with students again. Since being named the Principal of Memorial High School, Campbell has been busy with the behind-the-scenes moving parts and planning for the school’s future, but the opportunity to interact with students has been a refreshing reminder of why she’s passionate about education. 

“Honestly my favorite part of leading these students is working with kids again! I've missed them so much over the last few months of planning. My favorite days are the days I'm working with kids; I don't think that will ever change. They are so bright, funny, encouraging, and give me so much to look forward to in the future,” said Campbell. “It helps me remember even on the toughest days, opening Memorial High School will always be the biggest blessing. I hope that the students I serve have the best experience during their very special years of high school. It will go by so quickly, but my goal will always be to set them up for their future, all while they make the best memories.” 

For more information on Frenship Memorial High School, CLICK HERE.