Elgin U-46 board welcomes student adviser

Diana Castillo can add another responsibility to her already lengthy curriculum vitae.

The Larkin High School junior received unanimous support Monday from the Elgin Area School District U-46 Board of Education, which approved Castillo’s selection as the student adviser to the board for the 2012-2013 school year.

Diana, 17, was the top nomination from the superintendent’s Student Advisory Council thanks to her dedication to the high school, as well as the district.

“Diana is a well-spoken, articulate young person who demonstrates concern for her school and community,” Larkin High School Principal Jon Tuin said in a letter of recommendation. “Her academic record supports he ability to express herself well, but I have seen her contribute in a variety of settings. Because Diana participates in so many aspects of our school, she has a rich understanding of how policies impact a variety of students.”

During her Larkin High School career, Diana has participated in National Honor Society, student government, student government advisory board, Royal Ambassadors and Larkin Is Doing It Right. Diana has also represented Larkin in volleyball, basketball, track and as a student manager to the sophomore girls’ basketball team.

“This will be a great learning experience,” Diana said. “I will get to figure out how things work in the real world. I am on the advisory board at school, but this will be the real world, a bigger version of that.”

Diana is the fourth student selected for the advisory role, in which students can participate in discussions on agenda items and share a student perspective. However, a student adviser does not vote.

“It is really important for the student voice to be heard,” Diana said after taking her seat on the board Monday.

Superintendent Jose Torres said members of the Student Advisory Council interviewed six candidates before submitting the nominations to the school board for approval.

“They knew the requirements and characteristics the board was looking for,” Torres said. “It was completely student-driven and a great learning experience.”

The characteristics included the ability to think on one’s feet, public speaking and participation in school activities.

Diana succeeds Jacqueline Martinez, a senior at Streamwood High School. Jacqueline will attend DePaul University in Chicago to study public policy and economics in the fall.

Adviser: Teen is 4th selected for student advisory role