I am a student at the School for Creative Studies, and I’m reaching out because our school is in a crisis. Our funding has dropped so low that major parts of our school year are at risk. We’ve been told we might not have a prom, a yearbook, or several senior activities that students have looked forward to for years. These aren’t luxuries for us—they’re the milestones that make high school memorable.

Our teachers and staff are doing everything they can, but they’re stretched thin. And the building itself has become unsafe. We’ve dealt with roaches, a bat flying inside the school, and mold in multiple areas—even inside some of our classrooms. Hallways and rooms are often closed because of leaks or air-quality problems. Students try to stay positive, but the truth is this is affecting our health, morale, and ability to learn every single day.

We’re not asking for anything extravagant. We just want a safe school environment and a chance to experience the basic milestones every student should have—prom, a yearbook, and a clean place to learn. Any support that helps restore safety, dignity, and opportunity for our students would mean everything to us.