Two seniors join East Aurora Unit District 131 board

East Aurora High School seniors Alondra Limon and Edward Zavala were both sworn as student board members during the Oct. 2 board meeting.

They will serve as representatives of the students to the board as well as of the board to students until the end of their senior year.

Limon is currently the president of the Science National Honor Society and vice president of the National Honor Society. "I look forward to the opportunity of collaborating with the board administration and most importantly, the student body to create a school environment that empowers every one of my peers to excel and thrive."

"I had the opportunity to teach Alondra in both AP Seminar and AP Research. Very early on she asserted herself not only as a very strong student and writer, but also as a valuable leader," said Shane Gillespie, AP instructor at East Aurora High School.

Zavala was recently selected to participate in the first cohort of Freedom Scholars in the Civic Humanities Project at North Central College. Zavala is also the co-founder of Teen Health Allies, a youth organization aimed at providing resources for those that lack access to mental support. "It is important to give everyone a platform to voice their opinions and be heard. Many students long for a chance to express themselves in and out of the classroom. I want to be the person in their corner, advocating for their needs and speaking up on their behalf."

"I have had the opportunity to see Edward work as a student, volunteer, student leader, an advocate for youth and a 'man with a dream' many times," said Jan Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., president of the Center for Success in High-Need Schools, North Central College. "Edward will change the world for the better!"