Melissa Napoli

My experience and involvement in Arts Ed NJ’s Youth Arts Ed Council shaped not only my perspective on arts education and advocacy, but the influence of youth voices and leadership. The number of outlets for students to express their values, opinions, and inner voice are not limited, but unknown to aspiring student leaders and advocates who desire change in their academic environments or communities. Through Arts Ed NJ, I became enlightened on the opportunities for youth voices to express their ideas creatively through art contests, school governance, and the Youth Arts Ed Council itself. In discovering this, I’ve increased my own engagement in my school’s art programs by composing press releases about upcoming performances, revitalizing my school’s art club, and advocating for the arts and music departments as a student ambassador.