Summit Hill Junior High eighth grader Lea Calzaretta is the new student member on the Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education. She took the oath of office and was seated at the board’s September 17 regular meeting.
“I believe I can make our district’s learning environment a better place for our teachers and students,” said Calzaretta in her application. “I believe by becoming a student board member I will be able to make an impactful change on the SHSD161 district.”
In addition to being a student board member, Calzaretta is a member of the National Junior Honor Society as well as the SHJH Choir and Drama Club. She is also a member of the Streaming Spartans video club.
“I have had the opportunity to first-hand hear wonderful ideas from the athletic kids, the musical kids, the studious kids, and even the disobedient kids. So standing here today, my goal is to have every student heard and to share every idea so every child in this district can have their ideas presented to the board and no child will ever go unheard in this district again,” said Calzaretta in her self-introduction during the board meeting.
As a student board member, Calzaretta will act as a bridge of communication between the SHSD161 student body and the Board of Education, informing both groups about the other’s concerns and opinions. She will receive board packets (minus confidential materials) and attend all open board meetings. However, she will not participate in or receive materials for closed sessions. Although she will not vote, she will represent her peers and contribute to discussion.
This is the second year for the SHSD161 Student Board Member Program, and Calzaretta will serve during the 2025-26 school year.