In a classroom at Meridian High School, 22 students gather monthly with a shared interest—exploring the possibilities of becoming educators. This is Educators Rising, a student organization that's making a significant impact both within the school and beyond.

"We're just a group of individuals that want to make our way to our futures," explains Sivan Bowden, capturing the essence of this diverse organization. Contrary to what some might expect, Educators Rising maintains a balanced membership across genders and includes students from all four high school grades.

The organization, which has been active at Meridian for five to six years, offers students a firsthand look at education as a profession. While some members are already committed to teaching careers, others join to explore the possibility while developing leadership skills and engaging with the community.

"It's a good program," says Minique Blake. "It's a good opportunity," adds Kamora Wiggins, highlighting the group's value beyond career preparation.

Among the most impactful aspects of Educators Rising is the opportunity for members to work with younger students. On select Fridays, high school members visit elementary classrooms where they read to children, lead projects, and serve as role models.

"It's a good feeling because they look up to you," shares Wiggins. "It's nice to have somebody that looks up to you."

This mentoring relationship creates special bonds that advisor Tyler Dixon witnesses firsthand. "If I walk in the elementary or if the elementary is over here for lunch, they don't know who I am, they don't speak to me. But if they see some of the students, they'll run up to them, they'll hug them," Dixon observes.

Dr. Marliese Trover serves as the primary sponsor, while Mr. Alex Washam co-sponsors the group. Together with volunteer Tyler Dixon, they coordinate experiences while bringing in speakers to discuss education-related topics. The organization also plans special field trips, including taking kindergarten students to the Market House Theater in Paducah, followed by lunch at Pizza Inn—creating memorable experiences for both the younger students and Educators Rising members.

The group achieved remarkable success at a recent competition held at John A. Logan College, where they competed against 20 other schools. Meridian's Educators Rising chapter earned impressive awards: second place for character performance, third place for an Earth Day bulletin board, and "Most Creative" in the STEM challenge.

For their character performance, members created an educational play based on Winnie the Pooh that taught children about field trip safety. "We had to incorporate safety rules into the field trip to Shawnee National Forest, basically showing that you shouldn't wander off in the woods by yourself," explains Blake.

Senior members like Bowden are already taking their next steps toward becoming educators. She has been accepted to several colleges, including Shawnee, Southern Illinois University, and Eastern Illinois, and plans to study early childhood education.

"It was fun," Dixon says about the competition experience. "To actually go against other schools and to do solid, to do well—I think that gives the students an idea that maybe it's not just sports that I can compete or excel in."

Co-sponsor Washam appreciates the character development evident in the students. "When Dr. Trover speaks about the little kids' eyes lighting up when they see the high school students—that's what it's all about," notes Washam.

Dixon also compliments the group's behavior. "Whenever we do go on these trips, in the back of your mind, it is always, 'What is the worst thing that could happen?' But with the majority, if not all, of the Educators Rising group, they're respectful. They're going to do what they're supposed to do."

Beyond competitions and field trips, Educators Rising members contribute to school activities in other ways, including helping with the yearbook. Members select sections they want to work on, arrange photos, and contribute to the overall design.

"We help with everything in the yearbook," says Saryah Sawyer. "We pick a section, whatever we want to do, and we put in pictures about it."

As these students explore potential careers in education, they're already making meaningful contributions to their school community—building relationships with younger students, developing leadership skills, and representing Meridian with distinction at competitions.

Through Educators Rising, Meridian High School is not just educating today's students but cultivating tomorrow's teachers.