Destiny Singleton, an honorary student member of the Chicago Board of Education, has been a powerful advocate for student voices during her tenure. At just 17 years old, Singleton represents the interests of approximately 316,000 students across the district, bringing attention to critical issues such as mental health and the need for better student engagement from administration.
Her journey took a significant turn last November when she stood before a packed audience at a community event in Garfield Park. Asked about potential changes in her school, she expressed a desire for improved treatment of student voices by administration. “One thing I wish that could be improved is how admin treats the student voice,” she stated, her vibrant blue braids highlighting her individuality.
Singleton, a senior at Ogden International High School, has been vocal about both the strengths and weaknesses of Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Throughout her time on the board, she has witnessed transformative moments, including the transition to an elected school board and a contentious budget debate. As she prepares for her next chapter, starting college at Stanford University in the fall, Singleton reflects on her dual identity as a student and a leader.
“I feel made to be so official, and then I’m just a regular student,” she shared during a recent interview at the district offices. Selected from a pool of over 100 candidates, Singleton’s role involves attending meetings, hosting student discussions, and providing feedback on policies. While she does not have a formal vote, her engagement in community events ensures that student perspectives remain at the forefront of educational discussions.
Singleton’s commitment extends beyond her role on the board. She has made significant contributions at Ogden, founding a school blood drive and serving as president of the National Art Honor Society. Additionally, she holds positions as vice president of the National Honor Society and the book club, along with being a student government representative. Balancing these responsibilities requires meticulous organization; Singleton quipped, “I do Google Calendar strategically. Everything has a date, everything has a color, everything has a time. I live and die by my to-do list.”
Raised in the West Loop by her parents, a hairdresser and a driver, Singleton was inspired to apply for the honorary board member position after learning about the opportunity last year. “I was like, ‘No way this is real. It was so cool for a student to be able to do this,'” she recalled.
Her advocacy primarily focuses on mental health, an issue she feels profoundly about due to her own experiences in a demanding academic environment. In December, she presented recommendations to the board aimed at increasing awareness of mental health resources and proposing a districtwide mental health day. Singleton emphasized the need for a cultural shift within schools, stating, “Violence is on the rise, social media is everywhere, and the immense pressure students are under can have a lasting negative impact.” Her poignant remarks resonated with the board, earning her applause from attendees.
Sean Harden, the school board president, acknowledged Singleton’s insights, calling them “spot-on.” Board member Debby Pope highlighted the importance of student representation, stating that Singleton’s perspective helps the board understand the daily challenges faced by students. “If we’re just doing this from a spot in the basement on Madison Street, without hearing back from our community and the children that we are there to serve, then we’re operating in a vacuum,” Pope explained.
Singleton’s achievements extend into her academic pursuits. Recently accepted to Stanford through QuestBridge, a nonprofit organization that connects high-achieving, low-income students with top universities, she received the news during a biology class. The moment was emotional, as she shared it with her English teacher, Kelsey Strait. “She was crying. And I just, like, couldn’t breathe. It was really special,” Strait recalled. Singleton’s acceptance marks a notable achievement for Ogden, as she is one of the first students from the school to be accepted into Stanford in recent memory.
With aspirations to study psychology and ultimately become a psychiatrist, Singleton is excited about her future. Yet, she remains grounded in her senior year, indulging in her hobbies, which include collecting vinyl records and a passion for film. “I watch a lot of movies. That’s, like, my entire personality,” she joked, naming “The Silence of the Lambs” as her favorite film.
Interestingly, many of her peers are unaware of her influential role within the district. “I feel like we’re just normal teenagers,” she noted, adding that they share typical teenage experiences, discussing popular shows and school assignments.
As she nears the end of her tenure, Singleton is already thinking about the next honorary student board member. She plans to share advice emphasizing the importance of courage in advocacy. “I would say, speak when you’re scared,” she advised. “That’s just so important to build character, and to know that what you’re fighting for is meaningful.” She also encourages future candidates to stay organized, humorously adding, “Get your Google Calendar, ASAP.”
Destiny Singleton’s journey exemplifies the impact a dedicated student can have on their community and the broader educational landscape. Her commitment to improving the student experience in Chicago Public Schools sets a commendable standard for future leaders.
