Editor
Avery
On this page we will introduce you to many Leaders……..with Swag. You will find that a normal kid like you can make a huge impact on your community. And they live right here in your backyard. Well, not literally. You’re never too young to make a difference, so don’t look down on yourself, look UP to yourself!
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Can you explain what the student member of the board does?
According to HCPSS Policy, the student member is a popularly elected representative of the student body with partial voting rights. He/she attends regular board meetings, acts as the voice of Howard County students, and votes all issues except for budget, redistricting, personnel, and a few other items..
How long do you serve in this position?
The Student Member has a term of 1 year. From July 1 to July 1.
How did you become interested in this role?
As a new student to the county, I was unaware until a teacher introduced the position to me. It instantly caught my eye as an opportunity to make a difference and be of service to my fellow students.
What did you have to do to get elected?
What did you have to do to get elected? There is a preliminary application and interview process through which two candidates are selected. The two candidates then faceoff in a general election with all 6-11th grade students voting.
How do the other members of the board treat you?
Our Board has a strong culture of treating the student member with respect, and they listens to what I have to say. However, as politics goes, the student member is lobbied and influenced, and is seen by some as an easily swayed vote.
What else do you hope to achieve as a member of the school board?
I hope to continue to empower students and help them realize that their voice matters. I will continue to do my best to represent and advocate for them, especially with regards to the new social media, technology, and grading policies.
Who inspires you, and why?
I am inspired by anyone who faces a challenge, overcomes it, and emerges stronger. I am inspired by the 400 some homeless children in Howard County who still comes to school each day. They face enormous adversity but push forward with a powerful brightness of hope.
What do you think is the most important quality for a leader to have?
A love for those you serve. With that love will come a host of other valuable traits and characteristics. But it all comes back to a selfless, servant-like, love.
How has this experience changed you?
I’ve learned patience. At higher levels, change happens slowly. What you set in motion now may only come to fruition years down the road. It’s important to build on the foundation others have laid before you.
This month I will be interviewing.... Cole Rosenberg, the SMOB (student member of the board) of Howard County!
Cole Rosenberg is now a senior at Hammond High School. He likes to run track and has recently completed the Baltimore Marathon! He also enjoys acapella and swing dancing, and is highly active in his church (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).
Below are the answers of a list questions I have asked him. You will find out what a SMOB does and more....
What is it like to be the only student on a board where everyone else is an adult that has a lot more experience than you?
It’s rough. It’s like jumping into a whole different with different customs and languages. It’s a lot to learn, but with that naive innocence come insights that other more experienced members don’t always think of.
What is the biggest thing you have accomplished so far as a member of the school board?
Because no member on the Board has power alone, our successes can only be attributed to the Board as a whole. Individually however, I’ve sought to increase student participation by creating a SMOB twitter @hocosmob, by attending Howard County Association of Student Councils (HCASC) meetings to get student feedback, and by meeting with student leaders.
