Centerville High seniors serving on school board

Three Centerville High School seniors have been tapped to represent their peers on the Centerville Board of Education.

Eliot Ferstl, Serendipity “Sery” Gunawardena and Megan Rose, who were selected from a pool of 11 applicants, are clearing their busy calendars to include the third and fourth Mondays of each month to attend the Board of Education’s work session and board meetings as student liaisons.

The idea of having student liaisons was the brainchild of board member Annie Self. She learned about a district in Knoxville, Tennessee doing this and advocated for it in Centerville. Self hopes the board will have an increased awareness of students’ views.

“This is new to our school district, so we’re very excited,” Self said. “The application packet was very detailed and required some footwork from the applicants. They were required to submit an essay of their vision for the role, along with letters of reference and their academic background. These three students are all very bright and articulate and are well-connected within the district. I’m looking forward to watching them as they get out into the district and become representatives for the student body.”

Self explained that the student reps will take information from board meetings to their peers and will provide a monthly report to the Board.

Gunawardena, who hopes to pursue a legal career, is interested in legislating and debating so the opportunity to serve on the Board of Education definitely appealed to her. “When I heard about this position, I realized this would be a chance to actually get some experience and learn more about legislation that makes an impact on our schools.”

Eliot, who is deep into two-a-days as a member of the varsity soccer team, was interested because he wants to be a voice for the students. Between his soccer, job, and community service obligations at school, he looks forward to gathering the thoughts and suggestions of his fellow students and bringing them to the board.

The students are tossing around ideas of how to solicit suggestions from students and how to share news from the board. “We’ve thought about a suggestion box and we’ll undoubtedly use Mass Comm, the high-tech way of school announcements.

In addition to attendance at work sessions and monthly meetings, the representatives will participate in board discussions and can propose resolutions for board consideration. They will not have the right to make motions, vote, hold board offices or attend executive sessions.

“Part of the reason I joined is because I see other kids who struggle in school for various reasons,” Ferstl said. “I’d like to connect with them and try to find ways to help them.”

All three students are involved in a number of school and community activities. Ferstl competes on the soccer team and participates in Crayons to Classrooms, National Honor Society, German Honor Society, Environmental Club and Key Club. Gunawardena is involved with Mock Trial, Speech and Debate, Model United Nations and plays piano while Rose spends her time with organizations such as Environmental Club, Octagon Club, Book Club, Marching Band, SADD Club and Poetry Club.

The student reps have hit the ground running with a “debut” at freshman orientation. “I’m eager to see what they bring to the table,” Self said.

Contact this contributing writer at pgmcginnis45419@yahoo.com.

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