At Old Quarry Middle School (OQMS), students are taking the mic. Through the new UnMuted podcast, middle schoolers share their opinions and ask questions as they engage with district leadership, providing insight about what it’s like to be a part of the Old Quarry school community.

"Our district has always believed that student voice matters and have always felt that it's on us as administrators to know what our students need and want and be right there with them in the learning,” said Superintendent Dr. Courtney Orzel. “This provides the opportunity for students to elevate their voice and have a good time doing it."

Launched by Dr. Orzel, Dr. Koch and Dr. Sweeney as a way to elevate student voice, the podcast features Dr. Orzel as she guides students in the first two episodes. With a new principal on the horizon as Dr. Sweeney plans to change roles for the 2026-27 school year, students share the qualities they hope for in the newcomer, from relatability and enthusiasm to a good sense of humor. Students also have a conversation with Dr. Orzel in which they learn about the role of a school superintendent and share their goals for the future. 

 
Seventh grader Madison R. shared, “It is really fun to do the podcast because I get to speak out without being on stage.”

"UnMuted has helped students of Old Quarry bring transparency to our listeners. It has brought me more confidence in my ability to speak with others,” said eighth grader Grayson H.

The students have an array of ideas for future UnMuted episodes, and leadership hopes to expand this opportunity to other schools in the future. 

“Our job as educational leaders is to provide opportunities for kids to get out of their comfort zone and find something that they love and develop skills for the rest of their life,” said Dr. Sweeney.