Tyrone student school board representatives Hannah Gampe and Brent McNeel are two talented Tyrone students who are not afraid of a challenge. Even if that challenge is to represent the entire student body to the TASD school board.

While the two student representatives to the board do not have voting powers, they are often looked to by the board for a student perspective on issues and concerns that the board might have, particularly on decisions that relate to the high school.

Gampe returns for a second year to represent the senior class. Having already been the junior class school representative, she has plenty of experience when it comes to the position.

“I try to represent my class to the best of my ability in front of the school board,” says Gampe, “My goal is to miss the least amount of board meetings as possible, because there are conflicts in my schedule sometimes, and I try to include updates from as many clubs, organizations, and sports as I possibly can.”

Gampe first expressed interest in the position as a sophomore. She earned a spot as junior class school board representative the following year.

As a student school board representative, she is ready to take on the honor and responsibilities that come with the position. To prepare for the meetings, Gampe likes to make a list of important events or updates in the school before the meeting so she’s more organized, and doesn’t forget any ideas.

This year, Gampe would like to make sure that the positive things that are going on in the school, such as awards, events, and sports are being talked about and appreciated by the board.

“Fortunately, nothing major has gone wrong that I needed to bring to the board’s attention,” says Gampe.

In addition to being the student school board rep, Gampe is also involved in many other activities and organizations at school, including being the Editor in Chief of the Eagle Eye, president of YAN, a member of the tennis and swim team and has been involved in music and the musical productions at TAHS.

Junior class school board representative Brent McNeel is also looking forward to being a representative for the junior class.

At the beginning of the school year, guidance councilor Tiffany Johannides and high school principal Tom Yoder reached out to McNeel and several other candidates for the position. After narrowing down the candidates, McNeel was chosen.

“I [am] grateful for the opportunity,” says McNeel, “I am very honored to represent the junior class in this capacity and I look forward to working with the board and giving the students a voice.”

To prepare for the school board meetings, McNeel likes to keep track of sports teams and what the different clubs in school are up to. Like Gampe, he also gives his report after listening to the committees’ reports at the end of the meeting.

McNeel’s duty as school board representative is to inform the board what the students in the junior class are up to and any concerns that may have been brought to his attention. His main objective is to make sure that the students have a direct voice to the people that shape the policies for our school district.

“I’m not here for myself,” says McNeel, “I’m here for the students of my class.”

McNeel is also involved in many other activities at TAHS, including varsity golf, track and field, vocal and musical productions, and mock trial.

Even though Gampe’s and McNeel’s positions are very similar, they do their work independently. Of course, Gampe focuses on the senior class and McNeel focuses on the junior class.

“I am happy that I get to work alongside Hannah. She is someone that I have always looked up to and has always been a good friend of mine,” says McNeel, “She has helped me prepare a lot for  the meetings.”

The board meetings are held in the administrative offices in the elementary school at 7 pm on the first and second Tuesdays of each month.  If students have questions or concerns that they would like to be addressed by the board, they are encouraged to speak with either Gampe or McNeel.