Student ambassadors tell Exeter School Board they want a voice; plan 'Sparkles and Shine' prom for special education classmates

Students who serve as ambassadors to the Exeter Community Education Foundation (ECEF) told the School Board on Dec. 3 that the program has given them real governance experience and a platform to plan student-focused projects.

“ We wanted it to be completely unscripted because the whole point of this is about hearing student voice,” said Angela Cook, executive director of ECEF, introducing the ambassadors. Students described projects including aquaponics installations, the Eagles Nest Café and a prom called Sparkles and Shine designed to give special-education students a dance experience.

Chase Detweiler said the group has attended foundation board and committee meetings and contributed to grants and program feedback. “ School is a place where people feel safe. They are welcome. They are accepted,” Detweiler said, describing why he joined the ambassadors and his intention to pursue a career in education.

Other student ambassadors — Ethan Tibbets, Selena Dominguez, Abigail Wade, Madison Hernisen, Abby Renninger and Adam Cook — described fundraising, grant deliveries to classroom teachers and event planning. Administrators invited ambassadors to return when the budget discussion resumes so students can give input on financial decisions affecting programs.

Superintendent Dr. Christy Haller and Vice President Allison Wilson thanked the ambassadors and ECEF for providing student leadership opportunities. The board recessed the presentation and then continued with committee work.

What’s next: ECEF will continue ambassador recruitment in the spring; administrators said applications will be circulated via Schoology for sophomores and juniors who are interested.