MSA Student Board of Directors Representative Statements of Interest
The following students have an interest in filling the Board of Directors Student Representative Position. Please either click on their names or scroll down to view their information.
Aala Rashid
Emily Wong
Eva Ballard
Gwen Riley
Raey Ayalew
Sean McManus
Candidate Aala Rashid
Are you available to attend the BOD meetings every third Monday evening? Are you available to attend additional special session BOD meetings that may happen on other evenings?
Yes, I am able to attend the BOD meetings every third Monday evening, as well as attending any additional sessions.
What previous experience do you have that would help you to be a good representative for the Board of Directors (BOD)?
This year at Math and Science Academy, I have been involved in numerous clubs and have taken leadership roles of those clubs as well. I am currently involved in yearbook club, and am the text editor and co-assistant director of that club. Being in yearbook has helped me meet individuals of all grades and interact with many clubs and extracurricular activities here at MSA. I am also involved in Newspaper club. I’ve been involved with Newspaper club for two years now. I have been able to write current event articles about the school and interview clubs and teachers about topics. I have been able to branch out and interview people all around the school and form connections, which is a great skill to have as a BOD student representative.
What leadership qualities do you have that would make you an excellent choice to represent students in grades 6-12?
I am the text editor of yearbook club, which is a club open to grades 6-12. Having that age gap has helped me interact with different types of age groups and understand where each person is coming from and what they want in a yearbook. I also volunteer at Regions Hospital, and have been volunteering for three years. Since I’ve been volunteering at regions for a long time, I train new incoming volunteers. Patience is a necessity for any leader, which is something I have being able to obtain. I also worked at Magical Minds and took care of children. This has given me the responsibility which is necessary for any leader.
Why do you think you would be a good voice for MSA’s student body?
I believe I would be a wonderful voice for MSA’s student body because I voice my opinion. I want to make sure I have everybody’s voice heard as well. I was involved in the student planned walkout that took place last year, which was a tremendous success. I’ve taken advantage of being involved in newspaper by having a platform for my voice to be heard and talk about school activities that take
place. I’ve written articles about, the volleyball season, the school musical auditions, and new clubs at MSA. Writing articles like these show my interest in MSA and different ways I use my voice.
What are some things you would like to change at MSA or bring to the attention of the BOD?
A lot of people at MSA come from different backgrounds, cultures, and religions. I would like MSA to incorporate these different holidays (e.g.,Eid) into a calendar. However, my main goal is to have these holidays as time off, just a day. This is not an extreme change, considering different states have followed through with that, and it is possible. Minnesota’s Representatives are also following through with a bill that would make Eid (a Muslim holiday) a national holiday. Incorporating these holidays into the calendar gives a chance for people to educate themselves about different religions and cultures. Although, I have my own goals and what I would like to bring to MSA, I would listen
to other people's opinions at MSA and what they would like to change about MSA.
Have you read the By-laws for BOD membership and agree to abide by them.
Yes.
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Candidate Eva Ballard
Are you available to attend the BOD meetings every third Monday evening? Are you available to attend additional special session BOD meetings that may happen on other evenings?
Yes, I will be able to attend all meetings regardless of the day.
What previous experience do you have that would help you to be a good representative for the Board of Directors (BOD)?
I don’t have much experience but I have already been sitting in on as many BOD meetings as I can.
What leadership qualities do you have that would make you an excellent choice to represent students in grades 6-12?
I’ve been at MSA since 6th grade and will be entering 10th grade. I have an older brother who graduated from MSA already so I am very familiar with older and younger students and their different wants and needs for the school. I am outspoken and think it’s very important for students to have a voice in how their school is run. After all, charter schools were made so students could have a say. I also have proven to be a natural leader in class and regarding projects and discussions.
Why do you think you would be a good voice for MSA’s student body?
Like I said previously I am outspoken and know many people in multiple grades. I also know there are two sides to every argument and the students should be represented.
What are some things you would like to change at MSA or bring to the attention of the BOD?
I would like to bring to the attention of the board the rigor of the curriculums and how they are important but also the mental and emotional toll they have on students. College preparedness is important but so is the mental health of the students. I also want to improve communication and relationships between students and teachers, teachers and parents, and even teachers with each other and the administration.
Have you read the By-laws for BOD membership and agree to abide by them.
Yes, I have read the by-laws (I was actually there when they were reviewed by the board), and I understand and agree to follow them.
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Candidate Sean McManus
Fellow Students of the Math and Science Academy,
I would like to be considered as the Student Board of Directors Representative for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. I look forward to attending the Board of Directors meetings every third Monday, and expect to be available for any special sessions that could possibly come up. I’ve thoroughly read the Board of Directors Bylaws, and am able to bring the students’ wishes to the Board in a timely fashion.
I’ve been enrolled at MSA since sixth grade (2013) and I know the workings of this school inside and out. I’ve also been a LINK Leader for almost two years, and am able to interact with the younger grades in an efficient and respectful manner. I’ve helped the incoming sixth graders become assimilated into MSA’s community through LINK, and have learned how to lead a group of sometimes energetic kids effectively. As a LINK leader, I am required to be punctual, committed, respectful of others and their opinions, and very, very patient.
I also have ties to much of the student body: from the seniors to the freshmen, and the sixth graders, too. I’m looking to be able to represent each individual equally and become a voice for the students as a whole ? not just one grade or a cluster of people. I plan to focus on the dress code, the overwhelming schedule of homework and tests, and bring students’ opinions on the school’s budget to the Board. I believe I am a strong candidate, and appreciate your consideration.
Sean McManus
Class of 2020
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Candidate Emily Wong
Hello, my name is Emily Wong. I am currently in 11th grade, and have attended Math and Science Academy since 6th grade. I am interested in being the 2019-2020 Student Board Representative. I have a considerable amount of experience in leadership, planning, and communication. All of these qualities would make me an excellent choice to represent all the students at MSA.
I have been involved at MSA, since 6th grade. I have been a part of Student Council, LINK, Social Justice, Robotics, Academic Triathlon, Math Team, Business Club, SWENext, and Badminton over the past 6 years. All of these various clubs, have given me the opportunity to get to know many of the other students in grades 6-12. In addition, my involvement has allowed me to understand the different issues regarding the school, and the student body. I believe that I have the qualities that would make me well suited to represent the student’s ideas and concerns at Board meetings as well as help to form a solution necessary to overcome these problems.
One of the most valuable experiences I have had, that sets me apart from other candidates, is being the student representative on the Parks and Natural Resources Commission through the city of Woodbury. This commission, has helped me develop many qualities in myself, that are also necessary in Board members. Including, the ability to think strategically, make informed decisions, have a vision, formulate solutions to problems, and be able to communicate ideas effectively. This job is quite similar to the job of being a student board member. Therefore, this gives me hands on experience that I will be able to translate directly to the student BOD job.
In addition, I have had the privilege to be the Badminton Captain for the 2 nd year in a row. This opportunity has helped me further develop my leadership skills outside meetings and the classroom. As captain, I have displayed characteristics of being motivational, hardworking, committed, organized, communicative and approachable.
Many clubs that I am a part of, I hold leadership roles. In the past and current, I have been President, Vice-president, Treasurer, Secretary, and Captain. These have given me the opportunity to explore different skill sets that I possess. As well as show that I am hardworking, and dedicated in all the things that I am a part of.
If elected to be the student representative, I will help to work on any problems that face the MSA student body. As well as have an overall focus, on promoting effective education in and outside the classroom. For the 2019-2020 school year, I hope to implement more student activities, student-based fundraising, as well as create a safer and more efficient path from building A to B in the mornings. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my statement! I hope you consider voting Emily Wong for Student Board Representative.
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Candidate Gwen Riley
Are you available to attend the BOD meetings every third Monday evening? Are you available to attend additional special session BOD meetings that may happen on other evenings?
Yes.
What previous experience do you have that would help you to be a good representative for the Board of Directors (BOD)?
I have been in GSA for three years, and the president for two years. I helped to originate and plan all of the Night of Color dances, using the profits to strengthen the MSA community by providing Mrs. Seeberger with LGBTQ+ books for her Young Adult Literature class. This March, I spoke with Minnesota legislators about the Mental Health Protections Act, a bill which would protect LGBTQ+ youth from the dangers of conversion therapy. I was also part of the group of students that organized the protest March 14 th of last year in honor of the lives lost at the Parkland High School shooting. Recently, I attended the board meeting concerning the new dress code proposed and spoke in support of it. As well as those experiences in organization and leadership, I also have been able to strengthen my communicative
and social skills as a babysitter for the past 4 years.
What leadership qualities do you have that would make you an excellent choice to represent students in grades 6-12?
Aside from my leadership experiences, I am a natural leader. I have no trouble working effectively with others but am not too shy to step up and take control when needed. I am creative and excel at finding novel ways to solve problems. I’m willing to talk, but I’m also willing to listen. I’m comfortable engaging with my fellow students, faculty, and have the experience to be comfortable with having intelligent discussions on a state level. While that skill may not be necessary at board meetings, it prepared me to understand the processes of decision making in formal settings.
Why do you think you would be a good voice for MSA’s student body?
I think MSA students need a strong voice to represent them, and as a confident and well-spoken person, I believe I can deliver a message that is both meaningful and impactful. I have gone to MSA since middle school and have learned how to withstand academic pressure and maintain the ability to be social. I have opinions, yes,
but I am also a prolific reader and writer, the skills from which have served to hone my vocabulary and speech. We need someone who will work for the desires of the students, but also someone that knows how to intelligently propose ideas.
What are some things you would like to change at MSA or bring to the attention of the BOD?
I definitely think my biggest change would be increasing the capacity for student involvement. As MSA expands, the voice of the students becomes an even bigger priority. I would suggest expanding the Student BOD Representative position to two spots so as to diversify the student voice as well as to allow for more student engagement and more opportunities for students to be involved and have a say in their own education. I think one of the most important things to focus on as a community is communication, in both orderliness and unity. I think making sure that students, parents, teachers, and administration should all find a way to communicate well even as our school expands. MSA is going through the growing pains of having to figure out how to be a bigger school, and while it is tough to learn the ropes of being larger, I think it’s important that we maintain the same values that brought myself and a lot of other students here in the first place: the smaller class sizes allowed for easier communication. I believe we need to ensure that principle is applied across the board.
Have you read the By-laws for BOD membership and agree to abide by them.
Yes.
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Candidate Raey Ayalew
Are you available to attend the BOD meetings every third Monday evening? Are you available to attend additional special session BOD meetings that may happen on other evenings?
Yes, I am able to attend all of these things.
What previous experience do you have that would help you to be a good representative for the Board of Directors (BOD)?
Part of Youth In Government State Steering Committee
Member of Tri-M Musical Society
Have several hours of on school volunteering
School event organizer
Charity event organizer
Previous WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) leader
Candidate for Woodbury YMCA Community Board
What leadership qualities do you have that would make you an excellent choice to represent students in grades 6-12?
Due to my leadership experience at the club level in 4-H through leading project meetings, planning the years’ activities, and mentoring kids with County and State Fair Projects, I am able to work well with kids and teens of all ages. Additionally, by serving on the Washington County 4-H Executive Board, I have gained experience working with and voicing my thoughts, ideas, and opinions to my peers as well as adult 4-H volunteers and the county 4-H staff. I have also gained a great deal of experience working with others of all ages as a Washington County 4-H ambassador through planning and volunteering for events, camps, and informing the public about 4-H
Why do you think you would be a good voice for MSA’s student body?
I think I would be a good voice for the MSA student body because I am able to talk to many students of all ages, as well as communicate their thoughts, ideas, and opinions to the Board of Directors due to my involvement in school sports every season, NHS, and other school clubs.
What are some things you would like to change at MSA or bring to the attention of the BOD?
I would like to continue working towards making MSA an even closer-knit and more inclusive community. I would also like to make sure that every students’ opinion is heard and respected. I am very proud to call this school my home and want to work to make sure other students have a similar experience.
Have you read the By-laws for BOD membership and agree to abide by them.
Yes, I have read the By-laws for Board of Director membership, and I agree to abide by them.
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