On March 3, 2026, four members of the Chester County Student Health Council – Emilie Perez, Isis Croom, Sadie Horton and Caleah Reddick – had the honor of presenting on a student panel for the State School Health Advisory Council (SHAC). The students were nominated by Chester County Schools and selected by the state as four of only five students chosen to participate on the panel.
This opportunity allowed students to share their perspectives and experiences while helping shape and strengthen school health efforts across the state. During the panel, students answered several questions from the State SHAC, including what inspired them to become a voice for their school, barriers they have faced when addressing challenges in their school or community, where they feel the safest at school, both physically and emotionally, how important health education is to a well-rounded education and many more questions.
The students captivated the council with their thoughtful and honest responses. They spoke openly about the importance of mental health and how it continues to be a significant issue within many schools. Several students explained that their desire to advocate for others and give a voice to students who may not always feel heard was one of the reasons they joined the Student Health Council.
Panel members also discussed the need for greater access to mental health resources, including more Mental Health counselors and counselors who specialize in areas such as anxiety to help with not only school stress, but also home life stressors. In addition, they highlighted the work being done in Chester County Schools to expand suicide prevention initiatives and promote health awareness through various observances throughout the school year.
The students also shared the impact of the district’s hygiene drive, explaining how the initiative helps provide essential items to students who may not have access to the same resources as others. They emphasized how easy it can be to take everyday necessities for granted and how meaningful it is to help support classmates in need.
Overall, the students represented Chester County with confidence and compassion. Their willingness to speak openly and advocate for their peers left a lasting impression on the advisory council, who were highly impressed with the students’ leadership and the positive work being done within Chester County Schools.
