Three Consolidated High School District 230 seniors have been selected to serve as the 2024-25 Student Representatives to the Board of Education. Dena Prassas, of Andrew High School, Ella Debow, of Stagg High School, and Nkeoma Nwachukwu, of Sandburg High School, will add their voices to school board meetings each month.

“Although student members cannot be voting members of the Board of Education, they will be able to hear about and provide feedback to the policies and initiatives going through the Board,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Nolting.

Student voice is an important and critical component in the District 230 decision-making process. Last year, a student from each school was added to each of the three School Board committees, the superintendent and principal meet monthly with a student advisory committee, and the student body at each school is routinely surveyed for feedback and input.

The student representatives serve as bridges between the student body and the Board, keeping students informed about matters and building a stronger sense of trust and a clear line of communication. 

Stagg Charger Ella Debow said, “I applied for the Student Representative to the Board position because I have always enjoyed being a member of Principal and Superintendent Advisory, and I wanted the opportunity to further voice student concerns, ideas, and feedback to the school board. Leadership skills have always been important to me and I know this role will help enhance my leadership skills, including decision-making, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and more. I will also be able to further understand the work and administration that goes into an educational institution.”

Similarly, Sandburg Eagle Nkeoma Nwachukwu said, “I applied for Student Council President because I wanted to make our school a more fun and exciting place for everyone. I’m eager to bring new ideas to life and help create a great environment for all students. By taking on the role of Student Representative to the Board, I hope to learn more about leadership and teamwork while making a positive impact on our school community.”

Finally, T-Bolt Dena Prassas said, “I applied for the Student Representative Board position because I wanted to make an impact on my VJA community. By advocating for my peers’ needs, wants, and well-being, I can help develop the learning partnership between staff and students. It will give me the opportunity to foster my leadership, communication, organization, and public speaking skills. The first day I stepped into a Student Council meeting at Andrew I saw students who aspired to make the Andrew family even better. Since then, I realized the importance of working together as one.”