Cliana Bridal and Carmen Sampona, seniors at Albany High School, were introduced as the Albany City School District's new student representatives at a board meeting and committed to bringing student perspectives to the Board of Education.

The Board of Education's vice president, Tabitha Wilson, opened the meeting and introduced the new representatives. Principal Jody Commerford described a selection process that drew more than 15 applicants and involved application and interviews; Commerford said Bridal was chosen as the primary student representative and Sampona will serve as alternate.

Cliana Bridal, 17, said she immigrated from Guyana two years ago and that serving on the board will help her learn leadership and decision-making skills for a future she hopes will include law and public service. "I am honored to serve as a new student representative on the board of education," Bridal said. She told the board she plans to "improve student voice and communication by creating more ways for students to share feedback and ideas directly with school leadership."

Carmen Sampona said she has attended Albany High School since ninth grade and was elected student government president earlier the same evening. "I am absolutely thrilled and honored to be able to serve my district as an ex officio member of the Albany Board of Education," Sampona said. She said she hopes to "foster a far more representative and equitable culture across the many different schools within the district" and described plans for student surveys and a student committee to connect schools and raise awareness of board decisions.

Board members welcomed the students and encouraged them to participate in meetings; both students said they will attend board meetings twice a month.

The introductions took place during the district report portion of the meeting, alongside regular business and other district announcements, including presentations on athletics, school recognitions and district initiatives.