[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E503]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE KENT ISD STUDENT LEADERSHIP COMMUNITY

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                        HON. HILLARY J. SCHOLTEN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 30, 2023

  Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
contributions of some incredible young leaders from Michigan's Third 
Congressional District. As the school year comes to a close, I commend 
these Kent Intermediate School District scholars for their leadership, 
initiative and community service. Their contributions provided an 
important perspective to community members and school leaders which 
will undoubtedly improve the educational experience for students 
throughout Kent ISD.
  The Kent ISD Student Leadership Community is composed of 40 high 
school students from 20 school districts in Kent ISD. These students 
answered a necessary call to help district leaders make crucial 
decisions about education with an eye towards improving the educational 
experience of all Kent ISD pupils.
  This past year, the Kent ISD Student Leadership Community was hard at 
work. It is no surprise that they found numerous avenues to provide 
their input and affect change. At the inaugural Listen. Learn. Lead. 
State of the Student event on October 24, 2022, Kent leaders addressed 
district representatives and local community and business leaders. 
Through sharing their experiences in school, the challenges they face, 
and their hopes for the future, they were able to help shape district-
level plans for students' academic engagement and success, mental well-
being, and sense of belonging as schools navigate and adapt to post-
pandemic life. On behalf of myself and our proud West Michigan 
community, I applaud these students for the enduring impact that their 
leadership will have in their schools.
  Mr. Speaker, once more I ask my colleagues to join me in commending 
the Kent ISD Student Leadership Community. There is no doubt that their 
futures are bright, and that their voices will continue to be forces 
for good in the days and years ahead.

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