PASC News Inside This Issue News & Notes...................... 2 • Job Posting for PASC Executive Director • Resource Development Coordinator Position Created Pennsylvania Councils Recognized as National Councils of Excellence ............................. 2 Plan Now to Come to New Castle in November ........... 3 Activity Advisor Seminar Applications Online............. 4 2012 State Charity Needs Help NOW!.......................... 4 The Future of NASC Region 2 .............................................. 5 U.S. Senate Youth Scholarship Program Celebrates 50 Years........................................ 6 Districts Select 2012 Advisors of the Year..................... 6 Bumper Car Energizer........ 7 PASC Selects New Student Rep for the Pennsylvania Board of Education.............. 8
NASC Region 2 Leaders Meet in Annapolis
PASC representatives joined representatives from other Region 2 states for the annual Region 2 conference.
By Mallory Mokay, PASC Region D Representative
make more efficient presentations and surveys.
Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by 68 kids just like themselves? On Friday April 20 to Sunday April 22, 20 students from Pennsylvania were given the opportunity to travel to Annapolis, Maryland, for the Region 2 conference. This is a conference for the states in the Northeast Region including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware. Every year student leaders from these states go to a different host state for a weekend of leadership, knowledge, and fun.
New Jersey’s workshop was on “finding your true colors.” They showed everyone how your personality affects the way you lead. A leader with a green personality needs independence and likes to be in control. An orange personality means someone likes to have his or her own freedom while leading. Where a person with a blue personality is warm and personal, gold personalities have stability and security in themselves. Not only did they teach everyone his or her own true color, but they taught us how to work better with others who have colors we might clash with.
State Presentations Students from each state presented workshops during the conference. New York taught all of us how to use technology more effectively to become better leaders within our council. They gave us great websites to use for surveys, presentations, and so forth. These included Wufoo, Prezi, Animoto, Jing, Survey Monkey, Tagxedo and Wordle. All of the websites are free and can help individuals
Volume 36 Issue 9 May 2012
Leaders from Maryland educated us on activism and how you may not be a superhero, but you can help save others with your heroism. They taught us that we may not be able to fly or pick up cars, but we have other strengths that can help change the world. We can make a person feel good, give them a helping hand, and be their
friend. Pennsylvania’s workshop was on working more efficiently with your school’s administration. We were taught that acting like your principal’s friend will not help you in the end; they want to be shown respect. The workshop claimed that acting maturely, having good manners, making eye contact, and having confidence are keys to success. Also, they stated that if your principal says “no,” do not argue and act stubbornly, but come back a different time with a more thought-out presentation with more details. Sightseeing Besides learning great leadership tools from the different state delegations, our Maryland hosts took all 68 state student council leaders and 14 advisors on a tour of Annapolis and the historic statehouse. Four members of Maryland’s student council learned all about the history before we arrived and they served as the tour guides. The statehouse in Maryland is the oldest, still-active statehouse in the United States. We continued on page 4
News & Notes Job Posting for PASC Executive Director According to the PASC Constitution the term of office of Executive Director is three years. The present term ends on December 31, 2012. Anyone may apply for PASC leadership positions. Candidates interested in this position can obtain a complete job description from PASC Assistant Executive Director Kathy Coll at 174 Link Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412-366-5744) or by emailing kcoll1@comcast.net. The Executive Director will serve on the PASC Executive Board from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume to Kathy no later than July 1, 2012. The PASC Executive Board will conduct interviews of applicants at the August board meeting (August 3–4, 2012) in Hanover, PA.
Pennsylvania Councils Recognized as National Councils of Excellence Six PASC member schools were among 160 schools nationwide to receive the highly-esteemed 2011 National Council of Excellence Award by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC). NASC applauds the work of the following PASC member schools that have attained the status of Gold Council of Excellence. These councils continue to demonstrate exemplary efforts to build student leaders and to improve their schools and communities through the member’s service, leadership, and activities.
Gold Council of Excellence Boyertown Area High School (District 13) Interboro High School (District 12) North Allegheny High School (District 3)
Resource Development Coordinator Position Created In an effort to widen the search for leadership development scholarships for students and for grants that will benefit PASC’s program outreach, the PASC Executive Board created a position of Resource Development Coordinator. This volunteer position will be filled on an interim basis by PASC District 12 Director Chris Seifert of Bishop McDevitt High School-Wyncote. The goal will be to fill the position, which has a three-year term, through interviews of interested advisors or other adults during the PASC Executive Board meeting to be held in Hanover, PA, August 3–4, 2012. The job description is posted at www.pasc.net and can also be obtained by emailing PASCInfo@aol.com. Several key aspects of the position include: • Researching foundation, government, and corporate grant opportunities, product donations, and fundraising activities • Preparing applications for all grant opportunities according to the individual organization guidelines but consistent with PASC mission and principles; including the collection of all supporting grant application materials such as but not limited to letters of support, audited financial statements, summer workshop and conference promotional materials and curriculum, media coverage, and resumes of Board members • Tracking the outcomes of all grant funded programs and initiatives for grant reporting purposes and future grant applications • Monitoring the appropriate media exposure of all funding agents in line with all memorandums of understanding and/ or grant agreements • Maintaining appropriate communication with funding agents with timely updates and accomplishments. 2
PASC News • May 2012 • www.pasc.net
North Penn High School (District 12) Pennridge High School (District 12) Pocono Mountain West High School (District 9) “Receiving an NASC National Council of Excellence Award indicates a dedication on the part of the local school to providing a strong, well-rounded student council program,” says Jeff Sherrill, associate director of NASC. “NASC applauds the work of the National Councils of Excellence and challenges them to continue their leadership and service to their schools and communities.” To meet the requirements for the National Council of Excellence award, a student council must demonstrate that it meets a variety of criteria. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings, a democratic election process, and membership in NASC, schools that qualify for the award demonstrate such things as leadership training for council members, teacher/staff appreciation activities, student recognition programs, school and community service projects, spirit activities, goal setting, financial planning, and active participation in their state and national student council associations. For more information on the process used to designate a council as a Council of Excellence, go to www.nasc.us for a listing of criteria and the application, which will be due February 15, 2013. As the award is given based on activities over a calendar year, officers and advisors are encouraged to make sure that files are up-to-date this spring as the student council transitions from one set of student leaders to the next.
Plan Now to Come to New Castle in November for
The 76th PASC State Conference Advisors, be on the look out this week for a packet of state conference materials to arrive at your school with details about the state conference. Plan this spring with your administration and school board to attend, so that you can meet the October 14 registration deadline. If you do not receive this state conference packet by May 10 contact: pasc2012help@gmail.com
Key Facts DATE: November 1–3, 2012 COST: $110 for each student or advisor delegate. Cost includes conference meals, materials, and student and advisor transportation and housing during the conference NUMBER OF DELEGATES: 8 student delegates plus advisor(s). If students are selected as workshop presenters, they may become additional delegates STUDENT HOUSING: Students, in groups of two or more will be housed in host homes within the New Castle community. Dinner on Thursday night and breakfast on Friday and Saturday will be provided by host families. Advisors may house students in hotels, but will be responsible for these meals and transportation to conference program events. ADVISOR HOTELS: See conference website for details and location ONLINE REGISTRATION: www.pasc2012.org Begins on Monday, August 27; ends on Friday, October 5 WEBSITE: For conference details, schedules, hotel accommodations, state charity info, and information on presenting a workshop go to: www.pasc2012.org Join us and “Ignite Yourself, Your School, and Your Community to Serve Others!” Union Middle School and High School and Laurel Junior-Senior High School have come together to host the PASC 2012 State Conference. With only 494 students in grades 5–12 from Union, and only 675 students in grades 7–12 from Laurel, these two schools have proudly joined forces to involve students, faculty, and community members to make the 76th PASC State Conference a great and beneficial experience for all.
Keynote Speakers One thing they have done is to schedule three phenomenal keynote speakers, Matt Emerzian, Heather Schultz, and Ian Tyson:
Matt Emerzian is the co-author of a book titled, Every Monday Matters: 52 Ways to Make a Difference. He graduated from UCLA with an MBA. His book promotes the idea that people have the power and that they matter. He engages people in this movement through a YOU MATTER campaign, a weekly
news column, YOU MATTER K–12 School Curriculum, viral videos, and his YOU MATTER Corporate Social-Responsibility Program. His main goal is to have people recognize that no matter how big or small their actions may be, they matter. He will be speaking on how, through working together with friends and family, you can make a difference in people’s lives and community.
Heather Schultz, Friday’s keynote speaker, has been recognized as one of the top motivational speakers for youth in America. She lives in Atlanta, GA. As a sophomore in college she received a call being asked to enter a program that, up until that point, had only hired adults. Heather did workshops for this organization, but found her true calling when she did her first professional keynote-speaking workshop in 1989. In 1991, she decided to become a full-time professional speaker on topics related to leadership, personal power, anti-bullying, drug and alcohol prevention, positive choices, and achieving greatness.
Ian Tyson, Saturday morning’s speaker, like Heather Schultz, found a passion for inspiring people across America in 1989 and is also one of America’s top motivational speakers. Ian grew up and still lives in Ontario with his two daughters. In high school, Ian performed in drama productions and was a student leader. He is known for his entertaining, comedic, motivational style of speaking. He gets a lot of inspiration for his presentations and workshops from his childhood and combines it with his extensive leadership training. He has a degree in English, is the co-founder of Youth Leadership Camps Canada (YLCC), and for the past three years has been on the board of directors for the Canadian Association of Student Activity Advisors. He was named “Leader of Distinction” in 2009 for Ontario due to his outstanding contributions to America’s youth and student leadership. You’ll have the chance to hear these three fantastic speakers at our PASC 2012 State Conference! Come to ignite yourself with the experience of a lifetime! You will enjoy yourself immensely at the 76th PASC conference hosted by Union and Laurel High Schools. PASC News • May 2012 • www.pasc.net
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Activity Advisor Seminar Applications Online An Activity Advisors’ Seminar brochure was included with the invoice for PASC dues which PASC member advisors should have received by May 1. Please email us at PASCINFO@aol.com if that mail has not been received at this time. Registration will be completed by going to www.pasc.net. Registration deadline: June 1, 2012.
Under the leadership of PASC Workshop Directors Andy Costanzo and Kathy Coll, PASC will sponsor a workshop that will reach out to student council advisors, class advisors, NHS advisors, and club advisors. An Activity Advisors’ Seminar Info sheet will be included with the invoice for PASC dues, which PASC member advisors will receive in mid-April. Registration will be completed by going to www. pasc.net. Registration deadline: June 1, 2012. Dates • Beginning Wednesday, June 27 at approximately 11:00 am • Ending Thursday, June 28 at approximately 4:00 pm Site • Susquehanna University, located 50 miles north of Harrisburg. • Air-conditioned classroom and accommodations Registration Cost: $75 Meals: $33 Lodging Packages • $18 per person double occupancy • $27 single occupancy Act 48 Credit will be granted Resources: PASC resources will be provided at each session, including Leadership Standards for the 21st Century Leader and Lyn Fiscus’ excellent Adviser’s Guide to Student Activities. Program: The program will be appropriate for both new and 4
experienced activity advisors and will feature large group and breakout sessions. Featured program elements will include: n David Trevaskis, expert on the legal aspects of activity advising n Effective use of technology for advisors n Principles of situational
advising
n Idea exchange session
n Working effectively with the
n Organizational and time
administration n Parliamentary procedure/ meeting skills n Stress management for busy advisors n Icebreakers and activities to increase student involvement n The Value of Co-Curricular Activities in the Educational Process
management tips n Creating/developing a leadership class. Invite other advisors or coaches to be part of the 2012 activity advisors’ seminar and plan now to join PASC June 27–28 at Susquehanna University!
Region 2 Leaders Meet continued from page 1 also saw where General George Washington read his speech resigning his command of the continental army in the old Senate room of the statehouse. In addition to the tour of the statehouse, we took a dinner cruise down part of the Chesapeake Bay. While on the cruise they told us some history of the city and we got to see the US Naval Academy in Annapolis.
On the last day of the conference, Maryland invited people from Kony2012 to come and speak to us. They showed us the video, KONY2, gave us more information and even had a survivor, a young girl from Uganda, who told us her story of when Joseph Kony was in her hometown massacring her friends and members of her family. Many conference participants wrote letters to their
Congressmen and Senators urging action against Joseph Kony. When not engaged in such activities, the delegates were involved in numerous games, cheers, and icebreakers used in different states and had the time to meet new friends. The weekend was very informational and very memorable. PASC will host this meeting in 2013.
2012 State Charity Needs Help NOW! PASC 2012 Ignite needs your school to consider scheduling a fundraiser for the 2012 state charity before the end of this school year. As you’ve been hearing since November, the 2012 state charity has two facets, Act Locally by contributing to the victims of the floods last fall that devastated areas of Districts 7, 8, 9 along the Susquehanna River and its tributaries, and Reach Globally by filling the shelves of the Ivory Park, South Africa library. The schools and families
PASC News • May 2012 • www.pasc.net
affected by the floods are still trying to recover. And keep in mind, as our school year comes to an end, the children of Ivory Park are beginning their first semester, so books are needed now. The sooner we receive donations, the sooner we can
help. Remember, the funds will be split 50/50 between the two facets of the 2012 State Charity project! The donation submission form can be downloaded in Word or PDF from the State Charity page of www.pasc2012.org.
The Future of NASC Region 2 By Sarah Rudasill, New Oxford HS, Region 2 Liaison Held on April 20–22 at the Arlington Echo Outdoor Convention Center in Maryland, the 2012 Region 2 Conference was pivotal in helping to determine the future of Region 2, which consists of the state student council associations from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. The conference served as an opportunity to network with other student leaders and exchange ideas among states. Although delegates participated in numerous teambuilding activities and workshops (see related article), the conference also featured two important business proceedings that will affect the future of our organization.
Region 2 Rep Selection The first major order of business at the Region 2 Conference was the selection of the next NASC Region 2 Representative, who will serve on the NASC Advisory Council. The 2012–2014 term on the Advisory Council will be held by a student, and the current adult representative on the council, Lou Miller from New Jersey, will continue serving our states as the Region 2 Adult Liaison. The Regional Selection Committee, consisting of state presidents and executive directors, met and interviewed three well-qualified candidates during the conference for the student position. Christian Hodges, a sophomore from Maryland, was selected as the next Region 2 Student Representative.
Christian serves as the Chief of Staff for the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) and he has played a pivotal role in an anti-bullying campaign launched in Lou Mille, NASC Region 2 Representative (left) and Sarah RuMaryland. He dasill, Region 2 Liaison, address delegates at the 2012 Region 2 has also attended Conference in Arlington Echo, Maryland. several NASC representatives from each state. and Region 2 events while After the summer meeting, involved with MASC. Christhe constitution will be sent to tian will be tasked with voicing each state association, includstudent leaders’ opinions and ing PASC, for ratification. The guiding NASC in the operafour-page constitution features tion of its programs. Furthervery specific language and more, Christian will be leading details on the future operations our region forward as we look of a Northeastern Association. to establish a Northeastern AsSome notable points within the sociation of Student Councils. constitution include: automatic We are confident that Chrismembership of the five state tian will do a phenomenal job associations of Region 2 upon in his role as the student leader adoption of the constitution; an of Region 2. opportunity for nearby states currently outside of Region 2 Draft Constitution to join the Northeastern AsThe other important business sociation; leadership consisting conducted at the conference of an executive committee with was the introduction of the equal student and adult repredraft constitution of a Northsentation from member states; eastern Association of Student and affiliation with NASC. Councils. Region 2 has considFor more detailed informaered creating a Northeastern tion on the draft constitution Association to formalize the or the 2012 Region 2 Conregion’s affairs and to prepare ference, please contact me at for the organization’s growth rudasill2013@comcast.net or in the future. Student leaders contact your PASC regional and advisors participated in representative. It has been a session that introduced the an honor to serve as your draft constitution, and then delegates provided feedback on Region 2 Student Liaison for 2010–2012, and I give my best specific aspects of the docuwishes to Christian and Lou as ment. This feedback will be they lead our wonderful region used to tweak the constitution forward in the next two years. at a summer meeting with
PASC NEWS is published monthly during the school year. To submit announcements, articles, or corrections for newsletters, please email the Executive Director or Assistant Executive Director. Articles or information from PASC NEWS may be reproduced for use, with appropriate credit. Executive Director Jim Finnemeyer North Penn HS 1340 Valley Forge Road Lansdale, PA 19446 215-280-9299 215-855-0632 (Fax) Finnemeyer@aol.com PASCInfo@aol.com Assistant Executive Director Kathy Ann Coll 174 Link Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-366-5744 Kcoll1@comcast.net PASC President Kristina Riggans Union MSHS 2106 Camden Avenue New Castle, PA 16101 PASC President-Elect Danielle Croner Boyertown High School 120 N. Monroe Street Boyertown, PA 19512 PASC News Editor Lyn Fiscus Leadership Logistics PASC Email: PASCInfo@aol.com PASC Website: www.pasc.net
PASC News • May 2012 • www.pasc.net
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U.S. Senate Youth Scholarship Program Celebrates 50 Years By John Connolly, Riverview HS In November 2011, two Pennsylvania students were selected to join 103 other scholars in Washington, D.C., in March for an incredible week of experiences as part of the 50th anniversary of the United States Senate Youth Scholarship Program. Mariam Ahmad, Altoona HS, and John Connolly, Riverview HS, each received a $5,000 scholarship and attended this year’s 50th anniversary program. The following is an article John wrote reflecting on his experience. As time passes and the world begins to revolve at its normal pace once more, I have found it difficult to look back on what has taken place, but easy to notice how our world has been changed. The profound effect that one week can have on your life is astonishing when its impact lasts forever. I owe that impact to the incredible people I met in the Mayflower Hotel on this trip to Washington, D.C. Don’t misunderstand me, meeting the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, my Senators from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was pretty incredible. However, I found that the 103 vivacious, fearless, witty, and rhetorical students I met in the grand ballroom of the Mayflower truly changed how I view my relationships with others and this nation I call home. Landing at Pittsburgh International Airport and reuniting with my parents was a grounding experience. I was once again rooted to the same patch of soil I had been seeded in, however I knew that below ground was a growing network of connections. Connections that spanned a nation and will only grow stronger as time goes on, connections that will remind me of where I have been and where I will go. Thinking back on the program I realize
President Obama speaks to U.S. Senate Youth Scholarship Program delegates as the program celebrates 50 its 50th anniversary.
that it must have been some form of natural selection for all of us to have been chosen to attend this incredible trip (and come out alive). However, the best part is that United States Senate Youth Program keeps on giving—this Easter Sunday I’ve been awarded the opportunity to watch the USSYP class of 2012 get interviewed by C-SPAN CEO Brian Lamb. Some people ask me how I can continue to focus on the world around me after having this life-changing experience and I answer every time that the experience isn’t over. I have been inducted into a fraternity of USSYP brothers and sisters who will continue to enlighten my life from today until the day I die. I didn’t realize this when I first arrived home, however I realize it now. I encourage everyone to apply for this wonderful program because it truly will end up being the best experience of your young life.
Districts Select 2012 Advisors of the Year PASC District Associations have named the following individuals as District Advisors of the Year. These advisors will be recognized at the State Conference hosted by Laurel and Union High Schools November 1–3. At that time a PASC High School and Middle Level Advisor of the Year will be announced. High School District Advisors of the Year District 2: Bill Knab, Riverside HS District 3: Felix Yerace, South Fayette HS District 4: Lynn Clarke, Norwin HS District 6: To Be Named District 7: Maryellen Onofre, Athens HS District 8: Mallory Cohick, Big Spring HS District 9: Michelle Higgins, Mid-Valley HS District 11: Samantha Wolf, Downingtown East HS District 12: Mike White, Pennridge HS District 13: Nancy Brady, Governor Mifflin HS 6
PASC News • May 2012 • www.pasc.net
Middle Level District Advisors of the Year District 2: Ashley Johnson, Ambridge JHS District 3: R. J. Long, Quaker Valley MS District 4: Allison Silvestri, Franklin Regional MS District 6: To Be Named District 7: Pam Mahonski, Harlan Rowe JHS District 9: Erica Castaldo, North Pocono MS District 10: Susan Wolf, Salisbury HS District 11: Russell Pease, Garnet Valley MS District 12: Amanda Jozefowski, Penndale MS Congratulations to these outstanding advisors!
Bumper Car Energizer By Jarrod Cingel, Bethel Park HS Jarrod Cingel was selected as the PASC nominee for the NASC Region 2 Representative position. Jarrod used the following energizer with student leaders at the NASC Region 2 Conference in Maryland as part of the selection process. Consider using this as an ice-breaker to start your year with the new members of your council or class government. Purpose:
The purpose of this activity is to allow members of large groups to get to know each other quickly; it also involves a great deal of physical activity to make sure everyone is having fun and staying involved throughout the duration of the activity.
Group Size:
Between 20 people and 100 people serve as an ideal group size, but larger groups can be incorporated successfully as long as the facilitator can manage the activity successfully.
Equipment Needed:
A whistle is required; equipment used for playing music is optional.
Level of Physical Activity: High Space Required:
Large, open spaces (ideally outdoor) are highly recommended.
Estimated Time Required: Approximately 15 minutes is required; this time can be altered by either increasing or decreasing the number and length of questions. Instructions:
1. Ask for a show of hands of people who have ever driven bumper cars.
2. Ask everyone to close his or her eyes and imagine driving a bumper car; use descriptive imagery relating to this experience to ensure the group’s interest in the activity.
3. Tell the group members that they will be simulating bumper cars today with this activity.
4. Explain the following rules: • When you blow the whistle or play the music, everyone should begin “driving” around. • When you blow the whistle a second time, participants begin colliding with other “drivers” to form groups; the number of people in each group will be determined by the number of whistle counts you produce. •While in their groups, members should introduce themselves and provide standard information about themselves like name, school, position, etc. in addition to another question that will change with each collision. • After giving the group members adequate time, you will blow the whistle again and the members should leave their groups and begin “driving” once again. •Tell the group not to collide with people they know already or have collided with previously.
Tips:
Be sure to emphasize that “collisions” should be done in a safe way.
Start out with easy questions (i.e. favorite color, food, etc.) and make the questions progressively more difficult and open-ended (i.e. most challenging leadership experience, favorite way to spend free time and why, etc.).
Save time at the conclusion of the activity to add processing discussion questions so that group members can think critically about the reasons behind doing an energizer like this one.
Processing Questions:
What is the significance of doing an activity like this? (Bring up the frequently-used expression “Guess who I bumped into today?” Ask for volunteers to answer and then briefly explain).
Would this be an effective activity to use in your school’s student councils or with other groups? If so, how would you implement it in other situations?
How does an activity like this one relate to the real world of networking and leadership? (Talk about how we often “bump into” many people every day but rarely talk to them; as a facilitator, you ultimately want to end the activity by stressing the importance of meeting people whenever you get the opportunity). PASC News • May 2012 • www.pasc.net
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PASC Selects New Student Rep for the Pennsylvania Board of Education The PASC selection committee, joined by SBE Member Dr. Frances Michelini, interviewed five finalists for the Junior Member on the State Board of Education on Saturday, April 28, 2012, These students demonstrated a great desire to serve the public school students of Pennsylvania and presented excellent resumes, letters of recommendations, and essays. Each student expressed the need for SBE student members to find active ways to communicate with student council leaders and with other Pennsylvania students about the actions of the State Board of Education. They also suggested ways to gather the opinions of Pennsylvania students. The interview process in-
cluded presentations by each finalist regarding what steps should be taken to effectively implement the new Keystone Exams. A question and answer session on this subject was also held with each finalist. In addition, finalists participated in a roundtable discussion on improving teacher effectiveness and training lead by present SBE student representatives Shannon Sullivan (North Allegheny HS) and Erin Agnew (Springfield Township HS). The selection committee observed for this activity and finally, each finalist had a personal interview with the committee. Emily Clark, a sophomore at Seneca Valley Intermediate HS (Butler County in District
2) was named as the Junior Student Member on the State Board of Education for the 2012–2013 school year. Emily will join junior Erin Agnew from Springfield Township HS, who is completing the first year of her two-year term. Shannon Sullivan, Senior Member of the SBE, will conclude her term as the first twoyear Student Member of the State Board of Education at the SBE meeting in Harrisburg on May 9–10, 2012. Emily will join Shannon and Erin at this meeting, representing the 1.8 million public school students of the Commonwealth. We thank and congratulate the following SBE Member finalists who will serve on an Advisory Board to the Student
Dr. Frances Michelini (center), one of the adult members of the State Board of Education, has served on the committee to select the student member for the past few years. Also participating in the selection process were Erin Agnew (far left) junior student member of SBE, and on Shannon Sullivan, senior student member (far right). Finalists for the position were George Stern, Jiana Saigh, Alicia Dawdani, Emily Clark, and Himali Ranade.
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PASC News • May 2012 • www.pasc.net
Emily Clark was named as the Junior Student Member on the State Board of Education for the 2012–2013 school year.
Members of the State Board of Education: Alicia Dawdani, (Ridley HS), Himali Ranade (Chartiers Valley HS), Jiana Saigh (East Stroudsburg North HS), and George Stern (Conestoga HS). The June issue of PASC News will feature a final report from Shannon. In September 2012, Emily and Erin will begin writing a series of articles for PASC NEWS. Student SBE Members also report to the PASC Executive Board and will develop surveys and other communicational links as they move forward in this unique opportunity of civic engagement. For additional information on Erin, Shannon, and Emily, the selection process, and the role that the State Board of Education plays in the long-term improvement of education in Pennsylvania, go to www.pasc.net/board_of_educ/ board_of_ed.html