Student Representative Makayla Borda sits and smiles as Jr./Sr. High School Principal Dr. Kim Price explains something to her.
A newly-created role for the Sto-Rox student body requires a student with ambition, goals and dedication.
Enter Makayla Borda.
The sophomore recently started as the district’s student representative. One of the role’s chief responsibilities is attending school board meetings and delivering updates on what’s happening in Sto-Rox’s schools. The key, though, is that the students’ perspective is delivered.
“We wanted to bring in a student rep who is not a senior because we wanted to build our student voice from the ground up,” explained Jr./Sr. High School Principal Kim Price. “One of the things that we want to do is share what the school looks like from your eyes.”
Dr. Price was instrumental in selecting Borda. But, to get to her, Dr. Price had to go through someone even more important.
Borda sits and waits for a recent school board meeting to start.
“She texted my mom,” laughed Borda. “My mom called, and I was in there standing, and she (Dr. Price) didn’t know that, so I was listening the whole time. Then she repeated it back to me, so I had already heard it once. So I said yeah - I’ll be the student representative.”
Dr. Price also consulted one of Sto-Rox’s top teachers, Dawn Marshall, about Borda.
Dr. Marshall helps run the student council, of which Borda is the president. The 10th grader doesn’t mind making time for both.
“You can choose to go to either the student council meeting or the school board meeting, but I go to both, because they’re on opposite days,” she explained. “So, I can make both work.”
Student representative is not a short-term job for Borda. She plans to finish her high school career in the role. She said she knows it’s a resume-builder, but it’s not the only thing on her plate: Borda is also a cheerleader, and recently joined Steel City Impact. She’ll also work at Sto-Rox basketball games in her role on student council.
Borda addresses the Sto-Rox School Board during a recent meeting.
Borda delivered her first update to the Sto-Rox School Board at its November 17 meeting. Standing up in front of the public and speaking at length can be intimidating, but Borda quickly become comfortable.
“It went good,” she said. “I knew most of the people.”
Politics may be one avenue for Borda. She also has designs on becoming a teacher, so no matter what arena she pursues, this experience is valuable. Borda, who lives a short walk from the high school, has a sister who graduated last year. She, too, has her sights set on graduation day.
“Just keep pushing, and don’t give up.”