ASD Names 2019-20 Student Representatives to School Board
Posted on 11/22/2019
At the Thursday, November 21 regular board meeting, students from each of ASD’s three high schools were formally introduced as representatives to the board from their respective schools.
These students will join fellow ASD board members at regular board meetings, education/finance committee meetings and on the Human Relations Commission committee meetings. Student representatives are asked to provide updates on positive things taking place in their schools or upcoming events that are important to the school culture and climate. Prior to the official announcement, students met for a dinner in the administration center where they mingled with current members of the board and leadership team within the Allentown School District.
ASD’s board members expressed gratitude towards the students who will be sharing their voice with the public. Students who applied for this role were interviewed by administrators and members of the board earlier this month.
The evening also marked the final board meeting for Elizabeth Martinez, Ce-Ce Gerlach, and Robert E. Smith Jr. The Allentown School District would like to thank them for their dedication and years of service to the students and staff.
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent William Allen High School at the monthly School Board of Directors meetings!
Regular Board Meeting of the Whole
Zaniyah Onley - Zaniyah is a current junior at WAHS and the founder of the school's first Black Student Union. She is also an AP student, part of the National Honor Society and enjoys poetry and spoken word.
Peter Capote (Alternate) - Peter Capote is a senior at William Allen who spent the fall as an intern and sideline reporter for PIAA’s District 11 Sports. He is an AP student who is actively involved in many activities at WAHS.
Education/ Finance Committee Meetings
John Carlos Santana - John is a current junior at WAHS and now enters his second year as astudent representative to the board. Last year, he joined the board during regular board meetings. He is a member of the Gay Straight Alliance, Health Careers Club, and Canaries for Life. Volunteer activities include the Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention, GSA Representative, Upward Bound Liaison, Orientation & Student Interview, and serving meals at a local soup kitchen. Outside of school, he enjoys reading, watching television and spending time with friends and family. After graduation, John plans to pursue a career in medicine, but after his time on the board last year is also considering politics. John is most excited to be able to share the positive things happening at Allen HS with the board and the community.
Karine Palacios - Alternate - A senior at WAHS, Karine is very involved in her school community. She is a member of Upward Bound, Best Buddies, Volunteers in Motion, National Honor Society and Canaries for Life. She is a member of the Health Care Careers club and the St. Luke’s mentoring partnership. Karine is an AP & DE student who wants to study Biology or Biochemistry at a college or university in Pennsylvania.
Human Relations Commission
David Bennett Ulloa Estrada - David is a senior at Allen High School who is heavily involved in the arts at the school. David is returning as his second year as a student rep to the board, last year attending finance/education committee meetings. He participates in a variety of clubs and activities including Dance, Chorale, SGA, Canaries For Life, SADD, MAO, Drama Club, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Odyssey of the Mind, and Media Memories.
Joshua Fedrick - Alternate - Joshua us a junior and officer of the WAHS Black Student Union. After graduation, he is interested in attending college and majoring in a field of study that will lead to civic, community, and/or service to marginalized or impoverished people. Outside of school, he works two jobs including Dorney Park and Giant Foods.