The Brentwood Union Free School District celebrated the introduction of two new student liaisons, Farah Al Zafarani and Samuel Hasfal, during the Board of Education meeting on September 26, 2024. Both students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to represent their peers and shared exciting initiatives planned for the school year.

Samuel Hasfal, a long-time member of the Brentwood community, highlighted his involvement in various programs, including the Junior ROTC and the Explorers Program. He is set to graduate with a certification as a computer technician. Farah Al Zafarani, recognized for her outstanding academic achievements, including a record GPA of 108, is the editor of the high school newspaper and has won awards for her writing.

During their presentation, the liaisons discussed several recent activities at the school. They kicked off the year with "Start with Hello," a campaign promoting kindness, and participated in a restorative justice project where students wrote personal poems. They also introduced a nostalgic "backpack day," where seniors brought childhood backpacks to school, fostering a sense of community and reflection.

Farah mentioned the implementation of a new phone policy that has helped students focus better in class, despite initial resistance. Both liaisons are excited about an upcoming club expo on October 8, where students can explore various extracurricular opportunities, encouraging greater participation among their peers.

The meeting concluded with a positive note from the board, acknowledging the bright future of the Brentwood community with such engaged student representatives. The board also opened the floor for questions on agenda items, although no inquiries were raised from the audience. The involvement of students like Farah and Samuel underscores the district's commitment to fostering leadership and community engagement among its youth.