13 Firsts is a student-led podcast that covers issues like educational justice, gender, mental health and more through uplifting youth voices. They work in collaboration with Manual’s J&C magnet and Justice Now. 13 Firsts held their first official meeting of the year after school on Monday, Sept. 9.
13 Firsts was developed two years ago by Kennedy Miles (11, J&C), Addison Lowry (11, J&C), Viet Pham (11, HSU), Giselline Danger (11, HSU), Danica Gabeheart (11, MST), Maddie Lynn (11, HSU), David Schenk (11, J&C) and Ellie Moses (11, VA), and has garnered a large following both in club size and listenership. Despite starting with only eight members two years ago, 13 Firsts has grown to host over 30. Additionally, their social media and listening audience has increased exponentially since the start of the club in 2022.
“People of all creeds and backgrounds are represented here,” Pham, Content Manager for 13 Firsts, said.
Their dedication to diversity and inclusion in the podcast has resonated with many listeners, including large organizations.
13 Firsts received a $5 thousand grant from Riley’s Way Foundation, as well as funding from Civics Unplugged and Humana. They used the funds to go on a trip to San Diego for the Deeper Learning Conference and plan on another trip this year. Additionally, they have gained support from the Muhammad Ali Center and Louisville Public Media.
“I like spreading news and information about subjects that might be underrepresented or even new,” Daniel Miceli (10, VA) said.
One standout feature of 13 Firsts is their focus on educational justice issues that aren’t normally addressed by adults. These include mobility accessibility, summer learning loss and busing. The podcast provides students with a platform to highlight educational issues that effect them.
Beyond the issues they cover, 13 Firsts has created an inviting community for Manual students.
“I was interested in civic engagement, but also an environment that shares my views,” Evelyn Zhao (9, J&C) said.
This community has led to fruitful debate and conversation among 13 Firsts’ members, mostly centered on bettering the podcast.
“I just feel like we’re not the most popular news source in Louisville, especially at Manual. So I think we’re trying to build up to be the most popular news source,” Miceli said.
13 Firsts’ executive board has tried to combat these obstacles by looking at those in charge.
“Some challenges we’ve faced as a new club is building our leadership from the ground up and learning leadership skills,” Pham said, “We didn’t really have any mentors to look up to and none of us were upperclassmen when the club was founded.”
Pham was a freshman when 13 Firsts was founded. Experience and legacy was something that 13 Firsts lacked. Since then, things like their San Diego trip and funding have helped them foster a strong community.
With their passion for addressing educational justice, 13 Firsts remains optimistic about the future. This club’s involvement in the community is added into the greater discussion of youth voices in the media. 13 Firsts’ goals can push the community to better itself by discussing issues in educational justice that are specific to JCPS students.
13 Firsts meets every Monday after school from 2:20-3:45. For more information, visit their instagram. To listen, look up “13 Firsts” anywhere you can find a podcast.
