On the morning of Tuesday, April 22nd, Hempfield Area High School welcomed school board candidates to participate in a student-led forum hosted by Project 18. The candidates—Mr. Cory Thoma, Mrs. Lindsay Stevens, Mr. Jerry Radebaugh (current school board member), and Mr. Graft—met with students to engage in meaningful conversation and answer questions about their goals, values, and visions for the district.
This forum was a unique opportunity for Project 18 students to interact directly with the individuals who may soon help shape the future of the Hempfield Area School District. Students were able to ask thoughtful, in-depth questions and provide input on issues that matter to them, bridging a gap that often exists between students and district leadership. The forum was highly engaging, with both students and candidates participating actively.
Each speaker shared personal stories, their motivations for running, and their perspectives on current district matters. The event also served as a central component of an ongoing class project, where students are assigned to campaign for different candidates during each class period. This hands-on experience helps students develop real-world skills in communication, civic engagement, and critical thinking. Project 18 continues to provide students with valuable opportunities to connect with the community and its leaders.
Events like this not only give students insight into the responsibilities of school board members, but it also showcased their capacity to engage with complex topics and contribute meaningful ideas. Following the event, several candidates commented on the official Facebook post, praising the students for their well-prepared and insightful questions. Their feedback reinforced just how impactful the student involvement was and how seriously it was taken by those running for office.
The school board plays a vital role in shaping the Hempfield Area High School experience and the broader community. Unfortunately, it’s not often that students have the chance to interact with these decision-makers. This forum changed that—giving future Hempfield graduates a voice, and reminding everyone just how knowledgeable and engaged our students truly are.
