Margarita Amezcua, a sophomore at Auburn Riverside High School, is the new Western Washington student representative to the Washington State Board of Education (SBE). She begins her two-year term with the board on May 10, and will be sworn in at the July 10-11 board meeting in Seattle.

“I am so excited to join the State Board of Education, because this opportunity will give me the chance to be the hands and instruments for the people of my community,” Amezcua said. “I see the purpose of this role as strengthening the bridge between the board and students who each undergo different educational experiences in our schools, because there is no way that policies can be at their best if that mutual communication isn’t present.”

Amezcua has always had a passion for leadership and service in her community. She is student body president for her class, the public relations officer for her high school band, and on the welcoming committee for her church. She has received numerous commendations, including the Eric Jilbert Inspirational Award.

“We are thrilled that Margarita Amezcua is joining the board,” said SBE Executive Director Randy Spaulding. “Student members add an essential perspective to the board’s deliberations and keep our work grounded in the realities our public school students face.”

Amezcua’s appointment is the result of a competitive application process that culminated with panel interviews of potential candidates conducted by students from the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) Executive Committee. More information about SBE Board members can be found on the SBE website.