Senior Ava Hopkins Takes a Seat on Elwood Board of Education

Student perspectives will have a new presence at Elwood School District Board of Education meetings this year, as Elwood-John H. Glenn High School senior Ava Hopkins was welcomed as the Board’s ex officio student member on Aug. 27.

Hopkins, a member of the National Honor Society and an All-County cross-country athlete, will represent her fellow students by attending Board meetings, participating in discussions and sharing recommendations on issues affecting the district’s schools. The nonvoting, uncompensated position, mandated by New York State, gives high school students an opportunity to contribute directly to their district’s decision-making process. She will also receive training on Board procedures and will not participate in executive sessions.

“This important role ensures that the voice of our students is heard in our decision-making process,” Board President James Tomeo said. “Ava will be serving in this capacity for the remainder of the school year, providing her insight and student perspective.”

After being sworn in by Tomeo, Hopkins immediately stepped into her new role, presenting her first report to the Board with news from schools across the district.