High School Student elected as Board of Education Member

By Zaina Adamu
July 8, 2009 was a typical day for the Anne Arundel County Board of Education (AACBE). In the Board Room at the Parham Building in Annapolis, a meeting took place to discuss issues from student transportation to technical wiring in classrooms. For Alena Saunders, however, the meeting was her official beginning as a member of the board. What is interesting about Saunders is that she is the only member to serve on the board without having a high school diploma but after speaking with her, it became quite clear why she was offered the position. I am treated equally as an adult. I vote on everything the board votes on, she says. Saunders may only be 16, but she exceeded the expectations of many when she was inducted as a member. The Southern High School student is the only one in the nation to have full voting rights on the board. I plan on making a lasting impression while I am in my term, she says. On first impression, the Annapolis native does not show any signs of being a typical senior in high school. Her voice commands attention and her presence is noticed in any room. She gets it from her active participation in school activities. Her position as class liaison for the Student Government Association builds her leadership skills while her membership in the Principals Council shapes her public speaking abilities. In fact, it was her principal who suggested she consider becoming a member. I think you are a great student, said MaryAlice Todd, principal at Southern High School. You should go see if you can become a student member of the board. At first, she admits, she did not understand what responsibilities were in store for her, but after meeting with 2008-2009 student member Collin Wojciechowski, she knew it was something she wanted. Everybody began to push me towards the position, says Saunders. After I learned about the position I went after it and I got it. The AACBEs history began during the late 19th century, but it was only recently that the organization created a philosophy dents to identify, analyze and propose solutions to problems. Saunders chance to become a member, she says, holds true to the ideas behind the Board of Education, and plays a major part in how she will continue to approach her education. Saunders high school years will be a chapter that closes soon, but a new one will emerge when she begins the college application process. She has her sights on Georgetown Univeristy, University of Maryland College Park and George Washington University, but whichever school she attends, she knows what she wants to pursue in her professional career. Sometime in the future I want to own my own law firm or become a judge, she self-assuredly states. I would also like to be a member of the Supreme Court; I would love to see that happen. From the looks of it, her recent achievements will make her future ones attainable. Saunders is also a member of the Community Engagement Charter and the Advisory Period Board at Southern High School.

Alena Saunders, the new Anne Arundel County's Board of Education student member. Courtesy Photo
in an effort to provide schools with specific fundamentals of education. In the pursuit of its philosophy, The board says it will provide an environment where students can experience and develop a sense of individual worth and dignity and provide opportunities for stu-

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The Annapolis Times, July 31 - August 6, 2009, 2009 (www.baltimoretimesonline.com)

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