'The Longest Table' brings high school students together

September 17, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) -- Students from ten different high schools broke bread Sunday night and shared ideas for the community.

The event, part of 'The Longest Table' series. The purpose- to give students from different schools the opportunity to share their ideas and thoughts with each other.

Lily Sweet King, a Leon High School student, planned the meal.

"I know the city does this event and it's a great way to bring people together," King said. "So I thought why not do this for high school seniors too and bring the schools together."

King said that the event was exclusive to Seniors, because of their "leadership" status.

"I think as seniors, we can make a mark on the school and other students," King said. "We can really leave a legacy and start a tradition for seniors to come."

Dozens of students, from public and private schools, showed up and discussed ideas.

"I think this is an awesome way to share our issues and hear about other schools," Florida High student Isaiah Edwards said. "Plus, it's just a fun way to get to meet new people!"

Leon County Superintendent Rocky Hanna kicked off the discussion.

"I asked them about school start times! That has been a big topic of discussion lately," Hanna said. "They like the early start time. They want to get started early and finish the day early."

Hanna also said that in all his years in the education system, he has never seen an event quite like this.

"When I was driving over here I though maybe there will be a dozen kids here. But I'm blown away," Hanna said. "This is awesome. There are hundreds of kids here."

For more information about the next 'Longest Table' event or how to host your own; you can visit https://tlh.villagesquare.us/event/the-longest-table/.