Rochester students take a stand on issues with soapbox speeches
ROCHESTER, NY (WROC) – Students in Rochester were able to have their voices heard on Wednesday as part of what's called Project Soapbox.
Project Soapbox is a partnership with the Mikva Challenge, an organization that helps to build up kids in the community, and help them grow their voice when it comes to certain hot-button issues of today.
As part of the initiative on Wednesday, the Rochester City School District invited students to give two-minute speeches on problems that matter to them while standing on a soapbox. Topics ranged from mental health to violence and poverty.
Teachers guided students through research to prepare them in the days leading up to the event. Previously, students had presented their speeches at their individual schools. This is the second year the district has come together for a full showcase.
(WROC/Alec Richardson)
Officials said it's not only a good opportunity to learn about and educate others on important topics, but also to work on public speaking and presentation skills.
Primetime 585 Shining Star: Rhoan Kaulder
'I think it's really important that people realize that, no matter what, you're always going to have to speak in public, you know, one day or another. Especially me being a senior, I'm about to graduate, you know, I've got to go to college, talk to people, interact with people, it's very important,' said Quincy St. Louis, a student at School of the Arts.
To learn more about the Mivka Challenge mission and Project Soapbox, click here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
Help Me Read program celebrates students with end-of-year celebration
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A local tutoring program held its end-of-year celebration on Monday, celebrating the progress and work of volunteers and students during the 2024-2025 school year. The event was held at Enrico Fermi School 17 in Rochester. The Help Me Read program tutors over 260 students across the Rochester area, with assistance from 65 tutors who work with youth in subjects such as reading and math. The program recently expanded to School No. 50. Pittsford family celebrates native's show's Tony wins Having served the community for eighteen years, CEO Bishop David J. Singleton shared with News 8 that he hopes the program will continue to grow and meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of students. 'The literacy, the self-confidence, leadership. Attendance has gone up for the kids, they want to be here with their tutors,' Singleton said. 'It's been a real great thing.' For additional information about the program and volunteer opportunities, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Rochester intersection to receive makeover to beautify El Camino neighborhood
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – An intersection in Rochester will be getting a makeover Saturday afternoon. The 'Complete Street Makeover' project aims to improve the safety and access for residents and families in the El Camino neighborhood. The makeover is being put on by Reconnect Rochester and it will take place at the intersection of Hollenbeck Street and Avenue D. The event will also have music and food as volunteers will work on the street and paint the pavement. The project is supported and funded by ESL Charitable Foundation, Safe Streets and Roads for All funding via Genesee Transportation Council, and New York State Department of Health's Creating Healthy Schools and Communities initiative. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
National Donut Day: How Rochester offered free donuts to heroes
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Friday is one of the sweetest holidays of the year: National Donut Day! It was founded in 1938 by the Salvation Army in Chicago to honor the 'Donut Lassies' — volunteers who served donuts to soldiers during World War One. Donuts Delite and our local Salvation Army joined forces Friday to hand out hundreds of free donuts to some of our every day heroes. 'So, the tradition, again, goes back to the 1920s, World War I and so we have just always felt that it's an opportunity for us to give back to the community,' Salvation Army of Greater Rochester Director of Development Michael Gilbert said. 'A lot of people give to the Salvation Army to help us do our mission and so this is that one day that we can go and return the favor to those organizations that are serving throughout our city throughout our community and helping those who need it most.' Multiple major chains are also getting in on the fun, including Dunkin' and Tim Hortons, which have been giving out freebies with any drink purchase. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
