Topeka West freshman Brenna Rutschmann knew she d been given a great opportunity, but she still wasn t sure if she wanted to take it.
Rutschmann, as well as fellow Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers students Olivia Tatum and Maya Welcher, were given the opportunity to virtually speak to the National School Boards Association during its annual conference and share their thoughts on school on a national stage.
Rutschmann, like her two peers, was a bit nervous about the opportunity, especially considering the national scope of the audience.
But after her friends told her she d be silly to turn down such a momentous opportunity to be a voice for students, she agreed to be on the virtual panel, which included their College Prep Academy English teacher Kathy Foster and Topeka Board of Education member Rev. John Williams.