Student ambassadors share school programs and nutrition feedback at board meeting

Three student ambassadors addressed the South Washington County Schools Board on Jan. 16, sharing leadership experiences and student perspectives from their schools.

Mae Ferdin, a fifth grader at Liberty Ridge Elementary, described a new fifth-grade leadership group called Stryker Squad that assists at recess, helps kindergarten classes and organizes assemblies. Mae told the board she most enjoys "the opportunity to connect with other student leaders on what happens in their schools" and said students sampled different lunch items during a nutrition session; she said she hopes to see "tater tot hot dish" on school menus.

An eighth grader from Altman Middle School, Delaina, said being a student leader means "including my voice and being heard," and described an after-school program idea called Pioneers where students could make new friends. During the nutrition activity, students learned about meal planning and were surprised by the cost of industrial kitchen ovens; a figure quoted in the meeting for such ovens was $30,000 to $35,000.

Lydia Sabuza, a junior at East Ridge High School and a member of student cabinet, said student leaders provide a student perspective on building changes such as construction and adjustments to learning schedules; she also highlighted an upcoming Black History Month event organized by the school—s Black Student Union.

Superintendent Julie Nielsen and assistant superintendents introduced the students and praised the ambassadors for representing their schools. The district said the student ambassador program gives rising student leaders an opportunity to observe board meetings and share student viewpoints across the district.