“I have known students are powerful for long time.”
Anastasia is an eighth-grader in east Spokane with a passion to help others. She comes from a family of advocates and says, “I have grown up with a brother and mom who use their voice as power and are advocates.”
The power of student voice is something that can’t be overstated in the fight for education equity. Students, like Anastasia, are the agents of change our public education system deeply needs. Too often we center the expertise and experience of those who have already passed through the education system, and we don’t take the time to hear from those who are currently in the classroom.
Anastasia has been speaking at school board meetings since she was 6 years old and has always tried to be an advocate for her classmates and family members. She says to be an advocate “means that you use your voice and when you know something is wrong, you do something to make a difference.”
She has advocated locally for issues like special education support, building improvements, and a ban on forced isolation and restraint. Now she is working to change something that would have a statewide impact.
Anastasia was identified as “Highly Capable” in elementary school. The Highly Capable program combines state and local funds so that “School districts provide instruction, activities, and services that accelerate learning for young learners identified as Highly Capable.”
The funds are allocated per student but unlike programs like special education where the funds follow the student, Highly Capable funds go directly to the district. School districts use these funds to offer a combination of different accelerated learning options including in school options, college partnerships, and specialized programs.
Although Anastasia has been offered in school options, she must choose between highly capable options or her own interests like orchestra. She has also not been invited to attend the Odyssey program at the Libby Center, Spokane’s Highly Capable program.
It is because of these roadblocks that Anastasia has been talking with state Rep. Mike Volz about sponsoring a bill that would ensure funds for Highly Capable students to follow those students into their classroom. Although the bill has not been introduced yet, Anastasia is hopeful to see one this session.
Anastasia is showing that students can and should be involved in conversations that impact their school experience, and she wants other students to know that they can get involved too. She says that whenever she hears a classmate complaining about an issue at school, she asks what the problem is and tries to work with them to make a difference.
To get involved in the legislative process and to speak to your state representative, go to leg.wa.gov or for information and updates on bills that impact Washington state education, check out the LEV Foundation 2026 Bill Tracker.