On April 26, State High students took the stage for the fourth annual Lift Every Voice (LEV) performance, a student-led event dedicated to celebrating culture, diversity, and unity.

History and Background

Lift Every Voice began in spring 2022, following an incident that sparked school-wide conversations about identity, visibility, and community. In response, students and SCASD’s Office of Equity and Inclusivity staff collaborated to create a platform where underrepresented voices could be heard.  

“It isn’t meant to bash or judge other people,” said Elisabeth James, a mental health clinician at State High. “It’s meant to share your experiences…It’s not saying I went through this because of you [audience member], it’s that I went through all of this, can you see me?” 

From Roots to Expansion

Originally, the goal of the event was to raise the voices of Black students. Since then, it has grown into a dynamic celebration of all cultures, mirroring the diversity within the State High community and reflecting how LEV has grown not only in size, but in meaning. 

“It’s grown from being mostly our Hispanic and Black students, and now it’s reaching out to different populations,” James said. “The performances themselves are really rooted in culture. Before it was like if you identify as a certain culture and you want to express yourself, you can come and perform, but now it has shifted to being more of expressing your culture,” James said.

English and journalism teacher Samantha Corza, who has advised LEV since its inception, noted a shift in student leadership and ownership. 

“We [advisers] supported a lot for the first two years,” Corza said, “but in the last couple of years we’ve seen a rise of students who have been really able to take on a lot more ownership of the event with purpose and pride.” 

Many student performers returned this year, joined by new voices eager to share their culture and creativity. 

Senior Morgan Parker, a four-year participant, gave her final LEV performance this spring. 

“[LEV] taught me that I am not by myself and that I don’t have to be,“ Parker said. “There are so many different people here, there are so many different cultural backgrounds and they are always here to support you. Even the teachers who don’t really relate to those cultural backgrounds are still here to include everybody,” Parker said.

For sophomore Maame Yeboah, LEV has become a source of connection and belonging.

“Lift Every Voice impacted me in the sense that I can finally connect to the school, like I felt in my place in the school,” said Yeboah, who performed a dance routine for the second year in a row. “Moving here was hard trying to fit in.” 

Freshman Layla Corrorusinque, who performed a traditional Hispanic Bachata dance, shared a similar sentiment. 

“Our performance originated in Puerto Rico, it was by a Puerto Rican artist, and we were just really excited to show everybody that different isn’t bad, it’s really great, and it’s a great way to express yourself,” Corrorusinique said.

Reactions and Impact

The 2025 LEV showcase featured 21 acts across three shows, the largest setlist yet. The show included spoken words, dance, music, and songs from cultures all over the world. From traditional African dances to Ukrainian songs and heartfelt speeches, each act was unique on its own. 

The energy in the auditorium was electric. Students filled the seats during the second and fourth blocks, offering cheers, applause, and standing ovations. 

Many people watched the show multiple times, including sophomore K Price. 

“Lift Every Voice was extremely hype and the energy was great…I think that especially in times like this, there needs to be places where minority groups can express art, because art is for everyone,” Price said.

Some audience members returned more than once, including senior Nurlybek Rakhimov, who attended all three performances. 

“If I missed that I would be regretting [it] for the rest of my life,” Rakhimov said. 

Following the show, Corza reflected on the impact of the event. 

“The thing I’m most proud of is how willing these students are to be vulnerable in front of 1, 500 people,” she said. “It takes courage to put a part of your identity out there.”

To get more information about the event and people involved, visit the Lift Every Voice social media page.