At their May 11 meeting, members of the District 202 School Board held their annual election of officers, recognized outgoing student Board representative Echo Allen and welcomed new student Board representative Carmiya Bady.
Board President Pat Savage-Williams was elected to a third term, and Board Vice President Monique Parsons was also reelected. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Pete Bavis will again serve as secretary to the Board, and Chief Financial Officer Mary Rodino will again be the Board’s treasurer.
Board member Gretchen Livingston said to Echo, “Your freshness, your enthusiasm, your positive attitude – especially as you are ending your term in this pandemic – it’s been a delight having you on the School Board. I wish you the best.
Board member Pat Maunsell said, “You are a natural leader and have a natural ability to energize people. You are very special young women – and there are a lot of amazing students here at ETHS – and you stand out.” Both Ms. Livingston and Ms. Maunsell said they hoped Echo would be able to attend college “in person.”
Board member Jude Laude said, “You’ve helped me as an educator. You always unapologetically asked the tough questions – and always asked them with an equity lens. I think you are reflective of the best Evanston has to offer. Watching you and the way you handle yourself – if it’s any indication of the seeds we’re planting, it gives me hope.”
Ms. Savage-Williams said, “You have been so amazing as a School Board representative that I often forgot you were a student. … Whatever conditions the university opens in, you will be fine.”
Ms. Parsons praised Echo for such off-campus activities as lifeguarding at the McGaw Y, teaching kids at Camp Echo.
Echo said, “This year has been such an exciting year.” She named several of the many activities Evanston Township High School Students, such as promoting awareness of the climate crisis and educating their peers and the community on the importance of primary elections.
“I’m excited for Carmiya,” she said. “I know you will do amazing things next year.”