Third-grade students at Avondale Elementary explored the stories that shape Franklinton by interviewing community leaders and learning how to tell the stories of their neighborhood. Inspired by those conversations, students transformed what they learned into a community impact project of their own.

The Project

This marked the third year of We Amplify Voices programming in Mr. Nash and Mrs. Flowers’ third-grade classrooms at Avondale Elementary, and the first year of the Our Community, Our Stories format. Led by WAV facilitators Nora and Prophet, the project invited students to explore the stories, people and needs that shape their Franklinton community.

Throughout the program, students developed skills in storytelling, interview techniques, and public speaking while learning about topics such as community heroes and identifying community needs. Through these lessons, students began to understand that stories are not only something we tell — they are also a powerful way to listen, learn and create change.

To prepare for interviewing community leaders, students welcomed guest speakers into the classroom, including Trent Smith from the Franklinton Board of Trade and local artist Charlotte McGraw. These visits gave students the opportunity to practice asking thoughtful, interview-style questions while hearing firsthand stories about leadership, creativity and community impact.

Charlotte McGraw shared stories about growing up on the west side of Columbus, speaking with students about resilience, perseverance and the importance of staying connected to community. She also introduced students to her artwork and the imaginative “creatures” she creates through collage. Students then drew their own creatures to share with Charlotte. The conversation sparked meaningful dialogue and encouraged students to express themselves creatively while seeing a real-life example of overcoming challenges and pursuing creative goals.

These classroom conversations helped prepare students for a culminating luncheon, where they interviewed a panel of community leaders and put their communication and storytelling skills into action.

The project concluded with a student-led food drive and celebration, allowing students to turn what they had learned into meaningful community impact. By listening to local stories and identifying needs within their neighborhood, students discovered that they are not just learning about community — they are already helping shape it.

-Coach Nora

Third Graders in the program shared:

"I've learned how to be brave, how to bravely interview people. I learned that when you interview, you should stand up, be confident, be brave, and just really ask those questions. I think it will help me in getting me a job."

"The most funnest part about Avondale is we can learn. I learned to be kind and to be artistic."

Thank you to the United Way of Central Ohio, The Harry C. Moores Foundation, Franklin County Public Health, The Ohio Arts Council, The Barbasol Foundation, and Franklin County Community Partnerships for supporting this program.