Congratulations to the new Student Board members that were inducted into the School Board at Lockport. These student members were interviewed and inducted into their respective positions in early August: Tory Dalponte, McKenna Orrico, Akash Patel, and Chelsea Osei. Each student was given a specific position to serve until they graduate. I asked each student a list of questions, and they each gave unique responses that encompass their passions for Lockport.
Tory Dalponte is a Student Board Member and is required to sit in at all twelve monthly meetings and give her input whenever she can. Tory is excited to advocate for students while on the board. She looks forward to acting as a bridge between students and the board. To quote Tory, “It is important that students know that they can have an impact on decisions that are made ‘above’ them.” Tory chose to be a member of the board because of her passion for politics and her ability to be a good representative for the student body because of her abilities to express students’ needs. Tory recalls watching the board meetings with her family during COVID, staying updated on the school news, and has since felt an interest in the Board of Education. While on the board, Tory looks forward to advocating for students with special needs, especially those at Central. Tory, who is a large advocate for the equality of all of those with special needs, hopes to aid in the expansion of space and resources for the Lockport Academy and CCC. Tory also hopes to expand students’ knowledge. She wants “all of our students to know that they have a voice and I can and will advocate for them in whatever way they need.”
Chelsea Osei is a part of the Student Board. She provides insight specifically towards the student body. In addition, she sits at the monthly board meetings and workshops to better the LTHS community. Chelsea is looking forward to being a learner and a listener. Meaning, Lockport has expanded largely from an enclosed, predominantly white space, to a large and curious platform that encompasses the empathetic community of people working to help those of different backgrounds or cultures. Chelsea chose to be a member of the board because she wants to take the students’ wants and needs to a higher level. Being a part of the SEAC, Speech, and the AP Advisory Board here at Lockport, Chelsea wants to extend to a larger platform. Chelsea plans to be a better listener here at Lockport. “Before taking action, I want to consult with my student body to make sure choices directly impacting them are being showcased and reflective of their needs.”
Another board member is McKenna Orrico. McKenna serves on the Curriculum Sub-Committee of the School Board as the student representative. McKenna is looking forward to getting an “in-depth look at how decisions about our curriculum are made.” The decisions made greatly enrich LTHS’s education, and she is ecstatic to have the opportunity to learn and share her perspective on several topics. For McKenna, applying to be a School Board Member seemed to be a unique opportunity to learn how and why legislative decisions are made regarding the school and the community. McKenna believes that there are many skills that can be learned from her superiors and fellow Board Members that will help her immensely in the future. Going into the Board interview, McKenna was forward that many, if not all of the applicants were within the top ten percent of their classes. Knowing this, McKenna then realized that only the top ten percent, only a portion of the student population, would be represented for their ideas or concerns. Her vow to the school is “to make sure there are flexible and adaptive learning methods and opportunities for those, no matter their ranking or path after high school.”
Finally, Akash Patel is a part of the Board of Education Finance and Facility Committee Student Member. He looks forward to working with the administration and leaders of LTHS, especially on the topic of the reconstruction/renovation of Central Campus. Akash chose to be a member of the board because he wants to “ensure the student voice is heard within the board of education.” As well as wanting to “leave a legacy here at LTHS.” Akash believes that the best way to “leave a legacy” is through the board. Akash plans to ensure that he will project the student bodys’ voice and continue to stand for the values of LTHS. Akash wants to make sure that students’ needs are met while also planning the reconstruction/renovation of Central Campus as well. Akash’s goal for this year is to make sure each student has an equal opportunity here at LTHS.
