Student Storytelling Through Client Connected Projects
Written by Emily Craig, Raymore-Peculiar High School English Teacher
Each spring, seniors in English 4 at Ray-Pec High School prepare for one of the most significant moments of their academic journey—the Senior DRIVE Showcase. This culminating experience is more than just a presentation; it’s a testament to their growth, resilience, and ability to connect their learning to the real world.
Throughout the year, these students have engaged in client-connected projects, collaborating with businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to solve a given problem. Their showcase presentation, an 8–10 minute reflection, requires them to:
- Review their project
- Connect their experiences to the Portrait of a Ray-Pec Graduate
- Articulate how this work will benefit them in the future
What makes this showcase so powerful is that it pushes students beyond their comfort zones. They aren’t just presenting to their teachers or classmates; they are standing in front of an authentic audience—community members, professionals, and mentors. In doing so, they recognize the true impact of their words and see that their voices have power—that their stories can inform, persuade, and inspire action.
By taking ownership of their learning and sharing their experiences publicly, students develop a deeper sense of agency.
They are no longer just completing assignments; they are shaping the narrative about young adults in their community. Their work demonstrates that today’s students are innovative, thoughtful, and prepared for the challenges ahead.
As a teacher, few moments are as rewarding as encountering a student immediately after their presentation. The pride in their eyes and the realization that they just accomplished something bigger than they ever imagined—it’s the kind of moment that reaffirms why authentic learning experiences matter.
This moment of pride and success is a direct reflection of what happens when we empower students to be the storytellers of their own learning. When given the chance to own their narratives, connect with real-world audiences, and see their work make an impact, students walk away not just prepared for the next step—but confident in their ability to shape the future.
