Pasco School District on Tuesday swore in four student board representatives who will serve on the district’s Board of Directors for the coming year, a year that includes the opening of two new high schools.

Superintendent Whitney administered the oaths and introduced the students during a board meeting in the district boardroom. The students were Vicki Alvarez Molina (Sage View High School), Jessica Espinosa Chavez (Pasco High School), Noe Limoponze (Chiawana High School) and Aidan Mariscoe (Delta High School).

Board President Amanda Brown told the students, “You are the voice of the students here on the board,” and explained that student representatives may speak and take part in discussions but do not have voting rights.

Why it matters: the district is expanding its student representation as enrollment and new facilities change the district’s school footprint. The board emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of student participation in governance.

Background and selection
Superintendent Whitney said 46 students applied this year and each applicant was interviewed; the pool was competitive. In introducing each student Whitney summarized school history, activities and the students’ post‑secondary goals. For example, Whitney noted Alvarez Molina volunteers at the Arc of Tri‑Cities and plays violin, and that Limoponze seeks a career in education and plans to pursue a master’s in teaching.

Remarks from students
Each of the four students spoke briefly after being sworn in. Representative Aidan Mariscoe said he was “really honored and excited” to be on the board. Jessica Espinosa Chavez said she aims to “be that voice for the students, to be that voice for their community members,” and expressed a desire to make people feel heard. Noe Limoponze and Vicki Alvarez Molina each thanked the board and said they look forward to representing their peers.

Board comments and context
Directors and administrators praised the selection process and welcomed the larger student representation — the district previously had fewer student reps and this is the first time the board seated four. Trustees noted principals from the participating high schools were involved in interviews and described the appointments as competitive and valuable for board deliberations.

Ending
The board encouraged the student representatives to participate in discussions throughout the year and to take advantage of the learning opportunity as two new high schools — Sage View and Orion — open this fall; the district later said it will hold ribbon‑cutting events for the new schools in August.