Ashley Heppler, Trinity Shull, Chuks Okembo, and Gabby Ornelas taking their pledge on January 23.
MEDICAL LAKE – The Medical Lake School Board recently appointed student representatives in a move aimed at enhancing student engagement and amplifying student voices within the district.
At a Jan. 23 meeting, Ashley Heppler, Trinity Shull, Chuks Okembo and Gabby Ornelas were selected to serve as student representatives for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year.
The selection process involved an application and interview process. Prospective candidates had to submit applications and undergo interviews in front of a panel consisting of School Board members and the superintenden. Additionally, a letter of recommendation was required.
School Board Chairwoman Wendy Williams Gilbert expressed strong support for increasing student representation on the board.
Ornelas, a 17-year-old junior, shared her insights were shared into the application process and aspirations for her role on the board.
"When I found out I was super duper excited to just share my ideas," she remarked. "I wanted to give people a voice to share their opinions in their own ways."
Ornelas attributed her motivation to her classmates, emphasizing her desire to advocate for their ideas and concerns.
Describing the application process, Gabby highlighted its simplicity, noting that it involved a form where applicants detailed their reasons for applying, and their goals.
The interview, she recalled, consisted of questions regarding her envisioned role on the board, an experience that further fueled her enthusiasm for the position.
Central to Ornelas' goals is fostering inclusivity.
"My biggest goal is to make the school a more inclusive place for students," she said. "The day-to-day issues students deal with are what's important to me, and making their wishes heard to the School Board."
She outlined her approach to engaging with fellow students, noting the importance of conversations and creating opportunities for student input.
"I think students say the most when they're talking in the hall with their friends," she noted, highlighting the significance of grassroots engagement.
In addition to advocating for inclusivity, she wants to elevate the visibility of student clubs and organizations, including choir, band and robotics. She believes these clubs deserve more recognition.
Regarding the challenge of balancing her responsibilities as a student representative with academic and extracurricular commitments, Ornelas expressed confidence.
"Balancing my own time in my own personal ways, giving myself time in the afternoon to get everything done," she said.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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