Ocean City Student New Rep on State BOE Board

By MADDY VITALE Ocean City High School student Lauren Knopp has been named the 2022 Student Representative to the New Jersey State Board of Education. Lauren, of Ocean City, who will be an OCHS senior in the fall, took the position during a state board meeting on July 6, according to a statement from Angelica Allen-McMillan, acting New Jersey Commissioner of Education. “In her role, she hopes to be a voice that students can count on and a visionary for what student communities can achieve collectively listening to each other,” Allen-McMillan said. She went on to say what a significant role it is. “I highlight student representatives to the State Board because now, more than ever, it is crucial to listen to the voice of the students,” Allen-McMillan continued. “The school children throughout New Jersey have struggled through a pandemic that has had profound consequences on their learning and social supports – and often, to their families.” Lauren said in a statement that she was “beyond ecstatic,” on her selection to the board. Throughout her high school career, she has remained busy with clubs and activities. She first became a part of the Student Council while in sixth grade. In addition to Student Council, Lauren belongs to the Drama Club at OCHS, Math Club and the Environmental Association, among other activities. “All of these activities have helped me develop my leadership skills as well as my critical thinking skills," she said. "I am beyond grateful that the steps I have taken to better myself, have taken me this far. I can't wait to meet and work with students all across New Jersey.” Lauren Knopp, back row, far right, is among a select number of students from around the state who will be members of the State Board. (Photo courtesy of njsba.org) Ocean City Board of Education member Jacqueline McAlister remarked about Lauren’s major accomplishment. “The Ocean City School District and community are immensely proud that Lauren has been chosen as the New Jersey State Board of Education Student Representative," McAlister said. "Lauren was chosen by her peers to be the voice of thousands of students across the state, and her input will be invaluable to the decision-making process in Trenton.” McAlister continued, “Lauren's accomplishment is certainly a point of celebration for Ocean City and her selection is a positive reflection on the hard work of the entire educational community. Congratulations to Lauren. We are excited to follow her progress in this distinguished appointment.” Lauren replaces Maura Baker, the outgoing student representative from West Orange High School. The student representative is selected through the New Jersey Association of Student Councils and serves as the State Board’s liaison to the student community, according to the state website. The student representative serves for one year as a nonvoting member at the State Board’s public meetings. The student representative also makes a presentation to the board at each public meeting. Here is a complete list of the students selected for the New Jersey School Board Association for 2022: President, Dillon Dukes, Kingsway Regional High School Vice President Gina Liu, Cherry Hill High School East Secretary Maya Cope, Delsea Regional High School Treasurer Priyanka Das, Hightstown High School Executive Member Charity -- Zachary No, Rancocas Valley Regional High School Executive Member Projects -- Sarah Hewitt, Collingswood High School Executive Member Publications -- Mark Anthony Williams, Holy Cross Preparatory Academy State Board of Education Student Rep., Lauren Knopp, Ocean City High School Middle Level Representative, Jude Palazzo, Kingsway Regional Middle School For more information about New Jersey School Board Association visit https://www.njsba.org/