East Aurora School Students Take Oath As Student Board Members

Press release from East Aurora School District 131:

At its September 8 meeting, the Board of Education welcomed two East Aurora High School seniors as student representatives to the Board for the 2020-21 school year.

Board Secretary Kimberly Hatchett administered the oath to Tomcats Abigail Callinan and Moises Jimenez.

Abigail Callinan

“Great work ethic. High quality communication skills. Well on her way to becoming an outstandingly successful future leader.”

These are words Abigail’s teachers have use to describe her.

In her first three years at East High, Abigail has immersed herself not only in academics, but in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. For three years, Abigail has been a member of the volleyball team, and Upward Bound. Last year she became a member of the EA Ambassadors, the Math Honors Society and the National Honors Society. Abigail is involved in her local church, and provides a great example of the Tomcat spirit for her fellow students.

Abigail decided to pursue a student board member position because, in her words, she is “passionate and dedicated to work for something larger” than herself, and she’s “ready to help create a positive impact.”

Abigail attended O’Donnell Elementary and Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy before attending East High.

Moises Jimenez

Ms. Sarah Birdsall Kulick teaches French at East High, and is the French Honors Society advisor. She was one of several adults who wrote a letter of recommendation on behalf of Moises. Birdsall said that when she first met Moises, she was immediately impressed by his maturity, and the initiative he has taken with his academic success. She said that “Moises is a student who loves to learn. He is not afraid to ask questions or clarify difficult concepts, and is always eager to help his peers. He is reliable, responsible, and a true joy to teach.”

Moises is involved in NJROTC, and for two years, was a co-captain for the J-LAB Academic Team.

Moises is a member of the French Honors Society, Math Honors Society, Science Honors Society, and National Honors Society. He is also a Key Club member, and part of the EA Ambassadors Club, in addition to being involved in the community as a national vice president for the Boys to Men organization.

Moises said that he knows the importance of being a leader where there are diverse perspectives, and that he has been blessed to meet other leaders in the district who have helped him realize that he can be a leader too.

Moises attended Dieterich Elementary and Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy before attending East High.

The student board members will begin serving at the Board of Education meetings on September 21.

Either Callinan or Jimenez will attend all Board of Education meetings, and serve as advisory, non-voting members of the Board of Education for one school year.

Callinan and Jimenez will be available to the Board to provide a student perspective in discussions. They will report to the board about student activities, and report to high school student leadership teams on behalf of the Board.

This press release was produced by East Aurora School District 131. The views expressed here are the author’s own.