Students and community advocates made their voices heard at the Lynn School Committee meeting on February 27, 2025, passionately calling for better funding and support for local schools. The meeting featured a series of powerful testimonies from students who highlighted the urgent need for improvements in extracurricular programs and resources.

Yuri Sanchez Rio, a parent and advocate, opened the discussion by emphasizing the bravery of students who have fought for their education, despite facing significant challenges. "They deserve better," he stated, urging the committee to consider the needs of students who have shown remarkable courage in advocating for themselves and their peers.

Imani De Jesus, a senior, shared her experience of wanting to represent her school at a critical meeting but being unable to attend due to concerns about missing classes. She expressed the determination of Lynn students to fight for their future, stating, "We are taught to fight, not lie still and take a beating."

Mariana Pagan, a member of the Neighbor to Neighbor Youth Coalition, celebrated the recent decision to reject the expansion of KIPP schools, framing it as a commitment to improving Lynn public schools. She called for dedicated funding for extracurricular activities, highlighting the struggles faced by students due to inadequate resources.

Other students echoed these sentiments, sharing personal stories of how lack of funding has hindered their participation in sports and clubs. Lillian Idowu recounted her experience with soccer, noting that her school lacked the necessary resources for proper training, which ultimately affected her ability to compete.

The meeting concluded with a strong message from Gabe, an organizer with Neighbor to Neighbor, who reiterated the need for collaboration between students and the school committee to address these pressing issues. "We want to work together to make this happen," he said, emphasizing the importance of student voices in shaping the future of Lynn public schools.

As the meeting wrapped up, it was clear that the students' passionate pleas for better funding and support would continue to resonate within the community, pushing for meaningful change in the Lynn School District.