“EVERY STORY MATTERS.” 

This belief inspired Our Voices—a collection of stories by fifty high school students from the San Fernando Valley about home, identity, and belonging.

Through a partnership between PLUS ME Project and the Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development, we brought storytelling workshops to Mr. Lopez's classroom at Cesar Chavez High School Social Justice Humanitas Academy. Students wrote about their experiences growing up in the San Fernando Valley and the places that shaped them.

On Saturday, June 7, 2025, we celebrated these young writers with a book launch where student authors shared their stories with the community and participated in a panel discussion about their writing journey.

Mr. Lopez has guided his students in publishing their work for years. We are proud to support this tradition and share these important stories with you.

PHOTOS FROM THE OUR VOICES BOOK LAUNCH