Junior Austin White and Senior Lydia Seltzer are the Tyrone Area School Board Student Representatives for the 2022-2023 school year. Student board representatives attend each Tyrone Area School Board meeting and represent students’ voices to the board.

They provide insight for the board by reporting on things going on at the high school from the first-hand experiences of the students.

TASD school board member Kris Laird appreciates getting the student’s perspective on issues.

“Student representatives have the unique opportunity to represent their fellow students in providing updates on important student activities, concerns, ideas, and insights into the culture in our high school,” said Laird. “I look to the student representatives to present questions or voice any concerns from the student body about any decisions the board is considering that may impact the overall student curriculum, programs, or culture within the high school.”

White and Seltzer both chose to apply for their positions to help make a difference in the school.

“It’s really cool experience where I get to learn more about our school and the processes of making decisions. I also get the opportunity to voice the opinion of my classmates,” said White.

Even though White and Selzer’s positions are similar, they work independently with White focusing on the junior class and Selzer focusing on the senior class.

“I want to be the voice of the students and speak in agreement with my peers. I want representatives of the board to be able to hear what my fellow classmates think and feel,” said Seltzer.

The student representatives do not get to vote on issues discussed in the board meetings, however, they provide a student perspective for the board when making decisions that impact the students and can bring up issues that are important to the student body.

Board Member Randy Miles recalled a situation a couple of years ago during COVID precautions when an important board decision was influenced by the student representatives.

According to Miles, then student board representative Lucia Isenberg suggested holding graduation outside because the majority of the student body preferred that option.

“We discussed it once again ultimately opting for an outdoor graduation as the students had asked for. Ms. Isenberg thanked the board for honoring their request,” said Miles.

Both Miles and Laird appreciate the contributions that Seltzer and White have made to the board this school year.

“Lydia and Austin have continued to provide the board members with updates on the happenings within the school that impact the student body, athletics and activities, and the larger school community. This includes updating the board on upcoming clubs and extra-curricular events, musical performances, and community service projects,” said Laird.

Students who have questions or concerns about issues in the school can speak to either student board representative, who in turn can bring that issue up at a board meeting.

Board member Randy Miles encourages the students to bring issues and concerns to the board when they feel it is necessary.

“Given the various items discussed, considered, and voted on, I’d certainly appreciate hearing more questions from the students,” said Miles.

Any student entering grades 11 or 12 who are interested in serving as student board representative next year should contact High School Principal Chad Packer.

“The position is a great opportunity for any student looking to have their voice and the voice of their peers heard in a productive and professional setting. It is also an incredible leadership opportunity and an excellent addition to add to a resume for students looking to begin their professional work career, join the military, or continue their education in college or trade school,” said Laird.