Emely Herrera Rivas Named Ex Officio Student Member of School Board

Emely Herrera Rivas has been named an ex officio student member of the Huntington School Board. The Huntington High School junior was one of nine students who applied for the position and went through a structured process coordinated and supervised by several school officials.

“I am really excited to be working with Emely as the inaugural student ex-officio member of the Huntington Union Free School District Board of Education,” Principal Rochelle C. Brown said. “During the interview process, Emely quickly rose as one of the top candidates. She has a refreshing voice and perspective and I believe she will be a wonderful liaison for the student body.”

A new state law requires school districts with a high school to include at least one ex officio student member on their school board beginning July 1.

“This law aims to recognize the value of including students’ voices on school boards and, thus, empower students by giving them a voice in the decisions that affect their education and wellbeing and the operation of their schools,” according to the bill sponsor’s memo that accompanied the legislation. “It also provides an opportunity for young New Yorkers to build skills and habits of civic engagement. As a result, the inclusion of student members is not only a step toward ensuring that the perspectives of young people are heard, but it also strengthens the work of school boards by fostering more inclusive, well-rounded decision-making processes.”

Ms. Herrera has a near perfect academic averaged and has already completed seven Advanced Placement courses. She is the public relations coordinator of the New World Club, secretary of the National History Day Club and she tutors fellow students. She works part-time in the community as a hostess and volunteers at the Family Service League and Helping Hand Rescue Mission.

“I am extremely honored to have this opportunity of representing the voice of the student body,” Ms. Herrera said. “I’ve always had a passion for civic engagement and I’m grateful I can begin exploring this field early on. I’m excited for what the future holds in this upcoming year. I want to thank everyone who has supported me and trusted me to take on this important role.”

The teenager earned four high school credits while still a student at J. Taylor Finley Middle School. Ms. Herrera participated in the New York State Assembly’s Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute in Albany earlier this year. She is fully bilingual and a member of multiple honor societies.

“Throughout my life, I have learned the importance of service and creating a strong foundation for trust and accountability,” Ms. Herrera said. “My experiences have shaped me to be a compassionate, driven individual who seeks to make a positive impact. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute and learn from a community that shares my commitment to leadership and service.”