Team – Oklahoma High School Committee for Education Reform

Committee Members

Thomas Suarez – Founder

My name is Thomas Suarez and I am a junior at Mount St. Mary Catholic High School. While not attending a public high school, as an Oklahoma student I have seen the disappointing failures of Ryan Walters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Since then, I have felt a calling to speak out against his disgusting, bullying attitude toward the education system of our state. As founder of the OHSCER, with the help of my peers, I will continue to push for change and make the voices of thousands of students across Oklahoma heard.

Irving Chacon

Hi, my name is Irving Chacon and I am a senior at Southeast High School. I want to help and improve the future of Oklahoma’s Education.

Izzie Calingasan

Hello, my name is Izzie Calingasan, and I am a senior at Classen School of Advanced Studies in Oklahoma City. I’m thankful for the chance to participate in the Oklahoma High School Committee for Education Reform, working to restore the essential principles of an unbiased and equitable education system, as I believe education is a right for everyone and Congress has the responsibility to uphold it. Many students have been negatively impacted by harmful policies that limit access to quality education, and it’s crucial to advocate for equal opportunities and work toward better legislation to restore our educational rights.

Yehoshua Graham

Hello! My name is Yehoshua Graham, and I am a Junior at Mount St. Mary Catholic High School.

I wanted to join this committee to shed light on the ineffective leadership of the current Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Finnian Janes

My name is Finnian Janes, and I attend Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. I moved to Oklahoma over five years ago, where I discovered my passion for debate and volleyball where I have built lasting friendships. Unfortunately, Ryan Walters’ misguided focus on religion and political posturing fails to address the core issues that have left Oklahoma taxpayers funding an education system ranked 49th in the nation.

Jolie Jimenez

My name is Jolie Jimenez, and I am a current junior at Casady School in Oklahoma City. I am an avid speech and debater, currently serve on OKC’s Youth Council, and work on the education plank for Oklahoma’s Youth and Government. I am excited to be a part of this coalition because I am super passionate about education reform, helping to bring Oklahoma beyond our 49th rank, and making quality education accessible to all Oklahomans!

Taylor Marrs

Hi! My Name is Taylor Marrs I am a senior at Tecumseh High School. I am a rancher, wrestler, public speaker, and an FFA/4-H member. I am part of the education reform committee to protect future generations from a system that does not prioritize them in schools.

Miranda Rodriguez

Hey, I’m Miranda and I’m a Senior at Harding Charter Prep High School in Oklahoma City. As someone who has witnessed firsthand the effects that harmful legislature has on impressionable students, I am proud to be a member of this coalition and help reinstate the values of what our education system was built for— equal access to unbiased public education for all.

Olivia Scott

My name is Olivia Scott, and I’ve spent my entire education in Oklahoma public schools. Ryan Walters’s leadership has consistently failed students, prioritizing divisive politics over the needs of our classrooms—a problem every Oklahoman should take issue with. With OHSCER, we will demand accountability and refocus education politics where it belongs: on the students.

Aryahi Singh

Hi, my name is Aryahi Singh, and I go to Deer Creek High School and Francis Tuttle Technology Center! As an avid advocate, I am a part of this coalition to rewrite that outdated narrative where a ZIP code determines the quality of a child’s education and to ensure every student has access to the opportunities they deserve.

Other Team Members

Delnaz Kazemi

My name is Delnaz Kazemi. I am currently studying at the University of East London. I am proud to be a part of the development of this collective of incredibly bright and passionate high school students aiming to make much-needed changes within the education system of Oklahoma—my hometown, and where I attended high school. Together, we can create change.