Abigail Koech is a senior at Richland High School In Richland, Washington. Abigail serves as associated student body vice president and a Richland School District representative. In total she represents more than 13,000 students. She advocates for students of color during school board meetings. Abigail and other students revived the Black Student Union (BSU) at her school after more than 10 years of inactivity. Currently, she is president of the BSU and continues to mentor other members to continue the club. She helped revive the BSU to create a community for Black students in a predominately white school. “Being Black, and living in a community where there aren't many people who understand your experience, can be isolating,” she said. Additionally, there was an issue with students using hate speech toward Black students. With the BSU, she fostered productive conversations with school administrators, staff members and board members about the different experiences of students of color. Consequently, she believes, “experiences for Black students have improved, and staff members were more aware.” She educated school staff and school board members about her and other students' experiences. Personally, she learned of her passion for advocacy and her love of politics and law. She plans on expanding the BSU by participating in more community events, connecting with other local BSUs around the area and exposing students to more positive Black role models.