People flood into the pavilion talking with each other and taking in the sights and sounds. Tables fill the room with a variety of people at each one doing different things; some are simply observing the whole room while others are looking at the itinerary for the day discussing which panel to visit or even one student playing the guitar while others watch. Throughout the crowd people are wearing matching shirts with the conference's logo. Music is blaring and echoing throughout the room as a student walks to the stage mic in hand. An introduction from Timberline Senior Levi White starts the event. 

Thursday, students from Timberline and neighboring schools gathered for the annual “Stay Woke” Conference at Saint Martin’s University. They were joined by other various schools from across the state like Kentwood high school and even younger students from Chinook Middle School.

The Stay Woke conference was created in 2018 by students from the River Ridge and Olympia High School’s Black Student Unions with the goal of creating a safe space for students from diverse backgrounds and their allies. This year, the conference saw students meet together in groups to discuss various topics surrounding racial identity, student-led discussions, and an inspiring keynote speech.

As the school was split up into groups for “Table Talks”, groups of students began leading these lessons. All of the talks were led by student groups with a range of topics to discuss from beauty standards to school shootings to the use of the “N-word” in popular culture.  Students from Timberline presented to their fellow attendees about the importance of a sense of belonging in your community. 

A moving keynote speech was delivered by Erin Jones, author, activist, educator, and wife of Timberline teacher James Jones. The 2007 Most Innovative Foreign Language Teacher and 2008 Washington State Milken Educator of the Year has spent most of her life advocating for students of color. 

In her speech, she discussed the importance of self-acceptance and breaking away from the stereotypes and judgements from others. “One of the greatest ways you can be an activist,” Jones said, “is just to shatter the boxes.” 

Following this, students were left to think on the ideas she shared as they headed back to their respective schools.