Haley led a domestic violence safety training where students learned basic protection skills, using their body and voice to their advantage in threatening situations. Haley said; “I'm very appreciative for the money that was offered and contributed to make this event happen. It could not have happened without those funds and it brings me joy to be able to promote safety awareness younger people”

Ella, PHS senior, organized a project showcasing the artwork of students and teachers all across Portland Public High Schools, facilitating a fully-curated art show. “This project was extremely important to me personally. This kind of thing is what I plan on for a career.”

We heard from Deering High School senior Fernando who assisted in transforming the outdoor amphitheater space with a mural that says All One School. Students and a professional artist brought the vision to life together.

At Deering High School, Isabel set up a bullet journaling club for 6th graders at Lincoln Middle School in order to encourage younger students to develop healthy self-care habits.“I got some more practice presenting to the kids and being a friendly teacher/older kid influence to them. I wish I had more teens to look up to when I was younger, so that would be really cool if I could be that for others!”

Deering High School students Mattea and Nicole collaborated to produce a beautiful mural to celebrate to celebrate Asian pride in the wake of increased violence against Asian-Americans since the COVID-19 pandemic began. “Public art is a valuable part of a community. While we were painting the mural, we had countless people pass by, compliment us, and ask about the mural. We received a huge amount of support and interest from administration, staff, and students that we weren't expecting.”

King Middle School students Raafe and Hashim learned how to make a handheld model of a solar car function. The two students developed their idea for the project while aiming to make an impact on science combatting the climate crisis. “We worked with a real engineer who helped us design and build the car.”

Lincoln Middle School Civil Rights team members painted a large mural in a school hallway to spread awareness about protected civil rights at their school. “It showed students and teachers that a positive and creative community project is possible. It is an inspiration for others to bring their own creative ideas to life in the school. It will help to secure a safe space for marginalized groups.”

Students at PATHS noticed a need for a designated space for books about diversity and inclusion, to send to schools and community centers. They built portable libraries with the intention of featuring books that might expand worldviews. “We helped people explain to other people what it is like to not be born in Maine.” Check out this video sent to us by the students in their final reflection: https://youtu.be/rWpw6arq8Hs

Ava brought awareness to students at Casco Bay High School, advocating for human empathy towards animals. Using the octopus as her focus, she printed T-shirts sharing the words “Three Hearts, Nine Brains. Stop the use and consumption of octopus”. The proceeds from her shirts went towards support octopus conservation. “At school, I'm well known as the octopus girl and the fact that this issue is even known about makes me feel like I’ve broadened people's minds and challenged people to think twice.”

Three students at Deering High School took on the task of adding 18 new flags to the existing display of the language department’s hallway walls. The students noted that they learned time management skills while working on this project, and overheard many students commenting on the flags they recognized from their own background or family histories.

At Casco Bay High School, Rexy set out to create posters and a presentation of the effects of climate change on animals. High school peers were able to watch the presentation and learn more about quality of life and survival rates for animal species that have been impacted by planet-wide climate change.

Concerned about lack of teen exposure and time in natural outdoor spaces, Freya produced shorts with BACKCOUNTRY printed on the back. The proceeds were donated to Portland Trails. She also developed skills managing a small fundraising effort on her own. “I learned,” she said, “how to communicate with someone I wish to sell a product to, and I learned how to be methodical in how I handle large amounts of money.”.

Two projects in the 2021-2022 school year contributed to brightening up the music room at Deering High School. Decian and Emmanuel worked as partners to fully customize the storage cabinet. They hoped to encourage school spirit with purple and white, as well as continue a shared love of music with inspirational quotes. Senior Xander wanted to continue creating a more vibrant and uplifting space for incoming students to practice their music in. “I love music and I wanted to help incoming students feel like they had a vibrant space. Everyone can enact change, even if only a little bit”.

Sasha imagined there was a need for some hometown support for post high school life and won a grant to create a zine for the graduates of the class of 2022. The guide addresses needs and concerns that classmates identified as potential challenges on the road ahead.