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 Dieruff High School at the monthly School Board of Directors meetings!
Regular Board Meeting of the Whole
Yumaira Saavedra-Mozo – Yumaria is a senior year at Dieruff High School. She participates in acapella, choir, SADD, Multicultural leadership club and the Air Force JROTC program where this year she has been named the Executive. She is also very active in the community and is the Allentown Youth Organizer for Make the Road PA. Yumaria was one of the first students accepted to Bloomsburg University and receive a partial scholarship through ASD’s new guaranteed admission program. She plans to major in political science or public policy and administration but is also still considering a career in the Air Force.
Razan Antar (Alternate)- Razan is a DHS senior involved in Key Club, Student Council, Student Forum and is the treasurer of the National Honor Society. Razan also volunteers at the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital. After graduation, she plans to attend college to prepare her for a career in the medical field. She believes leading and serving others (with Husky pride!) improves our world by creating relationships in her community.
Education/ Finance Committee Meetings
Zahi Awad – Zahi is a current junior at DHS involved in many extracurriculars including Track & Field, National Honor Society, and Scholastic Scrimmage. He serves as the VP of Student Council and Treasurer for both the Class of 2021 & Key Club. After high school, he plans to attend college with the hopes of majoring in medicine. Becoming a doctor would mean impacting the community in a positive way despite it being a challenging career choice. Zahi looks forward to representing DHS and showing off Husky Pride to the ASD board.
Sierra Payne (Alternate) – Sierra, a junior, is a part of the stage crew and Class of 2021 at Dieruff HS. She is an AP student and member of the National Honor Society. She plans to be the first in her family to attend college and has a goal of being an ultrasound tech or OB/GYN.
Human Relations Commission
Desteny Lancheros – Desteny is a 10th-grade student, treasurer of the multicultural leadership club and member of the swim team at DHS. She enjoys her AP Psychology and Chemistry classes, which will benefit her when she attends college. She is planning a future as a pre-med or criminology major with the hopes of one day becoming a surgeon or working for the FBI. Desteny values the diversity in her school and ASD and wants to be a vocal advocate for the Latino community. She volunteers at St. Luke’s Hospital.
Angela Dergham (Alternate) – Angie is junior at Dieruff involved in the National Honor Society, Class of 2021, Student Council and German Honor Society. She plans on going to a four-year to study criminal justice, criminology with a minor in forensic psychology or the naval academy to become a naval intelligence officer.