At this Wednesday’s meeting, the Board of Education will hear a report on student life at Pelham Memorial High School from an expert on the matter, Emerson Jerabek, a junior.
Jerabek joined the board in September is its first student liaison. Since then, the board has found another student representative, senior Nick DeGennaro, who will also serve as a liaison to the school.
As if she wasn’t busy enough, Jerabek already has a full slate of academic and extracurricular activities on her schedule. She’s part of the high school’s vaunted science research program, a member of the varsity golf team, and is a co-founder of Project CHILDD at PMHS; Project CHILDD is a club focused on engaging with and providing for children and teens with developmental disabilities.
In addition, Jerabek worked as a counselor at the SUNY Maritime College Boating Camp during the summertime and she tutors kids at Pelham Middle School. For fun, she enjoys watching golf and football with her family. She also enjoys watching “The OC” and doing crafts around the house, including making DIY keychains, jewelry, and more.
With the Board of Education, Jerabek now has even more duties, including attending all board meetings, participating in the board’s public hearings, and acting as a representative of the student body. Her duties also include transferring information between the student government at the high school and the board. She will not, however, be able to vote on motions or attend executive sessions.
Jerabek first heard about the position from her parents. She was immediately interested in the role because she enjoys being involved in the school community.
During her two-year term as student liaision, which will take place in the spring of her graduation, Jerabek will be a point of contact for fellow students who want to provide input to the Board of Education.
“I want to be a person who my peers can feel free to reach out to,” she said in an interview. “I want to serve as a bridge between my fellow students and members of the Board of Education.”
As for what she can learn in her new role, Jerabek said her position on the board will “give me leadership experience for a future career and provide an enhanced ability for me to share my thoughts and opinions while listening to others.” Additionally, she mentioned that this role will give her a glimpse into how the function of the board compares to government on a larger scale. She said she hopes to acquire a good understanding of politics through her position.
Jerabek will present a student report to the board at this week’s meeting on Wednesday, November 5.
