Ceres High’s Leilah Elsmere and Central Valley’s Natalia Armas have volunteered to serve as student representatives on the Ceres School Board. Elsmere and Armas are both straight-A students who plan to attend four-year universities. They took time to respond to these questions.

Question: Why did you decide to volunteer as a student representative on the Ceres School Board?

Natalia: I’m incredibly passionate about representative positions and want to serve as a voice for students who are otherwise left unheard. Additionally, I want to increase my involvement within the community and get a glimpse of what it’s like to hold public roles. 

Leilah: I attended a Board meeting late last year and I had the opportunity to see how exciting it was for the prior Student Rep to sit on the panel with the other Board members and represent our classmates in the decisions that affect us. It inspired me to want to serve my school and my community.

Q: What are some of your responsibilities as a student board rep?

Natalia: I represent Central Valley High School at Ceres School Board Meetings where I discuss campus events and serve as a representative of student interest. I engage heavily with students on campus to understand their needs and report concerns in order to improve campus culture. Lastly, I’m in charge of CV’s monthly newsletter that highlights students, staff, and school activities. 

Leilah: Natalia and I met with Dr. Wickham before our first Board meeting to understand our roles. We are expected to attend all regular meetings and to report to the other Board members about things going on at our schools. I am honored to be entrusted to represent the opinions of my classmates and to show the Ceres community how great it is to be a Bulldog!

Q: Are you involved in student government at your high school? What clubs do you belong to? Do you play sports? Are you involved in volunteer activities or belong to any organizations outside of school?

Natalia: I’m a current member of the ASB Board for Central Valley’s Leadership program and have been involved with student government all four years of high school. I’m involved with various clubs on campus, including holding officer positions in the Student Educator Program (President), Health and Medicine Club (President), Student Site Council (Secretary), and California Scholarship Federation (Secretary). Additionally, I’m a member of the National Honor Society and have participated in Varsity Track and Field as a sprinter. Outside of school, I volunteer at Doctors Medical Center and am a Junior Crew Leader for the Bay Area-based EDGE Youth Leadership Program. Lastly, I am a representative of Stanislaus County for the Youth Advisory Council of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. 

Leilah: This is my fourth year in student government. I am ASB Board Rep and social media coordinator. Previously, I served as class president and treasurer. I am planning to participate in NAMI, Interact, and Paperback Pals clubs. Last year, I served as Vice President of Paperback Pals, which gave me an opportunity to initiate conversations with club members about books we read throughout the year and to plan club activities. I’m also in my third year on the Dance team. We had an opportunity to perform at MJC which was really a great experience. I hope to play soccer again this year, which would be my fourth year, and I’ll be in Track for my third year. I want to give a shout out to the track coaches who are so supportive and positive. As far as volunteer activities, I participated in “Love Ceres” my sophomore and junior years and look forward to participating again this year.

Q: Are you taking Advanced Placement classes this year or have you taken AP courses in the past? If so, which classes? How challenging is your academic schedule?

Natalia: This year, I am taking AP English Literature, AP Calculus AB, AP Psychology, and AP US Government and Politics. On top of that, I am dual enrolled at MJC and currently studying Comparative Politics and Healthful Living. I find that my academic schedule is easier to manage because of my organizational skills, but it is definitely rigorous. However, I appreciate the challenge because it has taught me self-discipline and strengthened my work ethic after taking Advanced Placement classes since freshman year. 

Leilah: Yes, this year I’m taking AP Pre-calculus, AP Literature, and AP Government. Previously, I took AP Biology, AP Language & Composition, and AP Spanish Language. My academic schedule is definitely challenging, but I think it is preparing me well for the next steps in my adult life.

Q: What are your college plans? What will you major in?

Natalia: I’m planning on applying to various public and private institutions this fall; my dream schools include UCLA, Stanford, and the University of Chicago. I’ve taken an interest in Political Science and International Relations, but I hope to dabble in English in some way (whether it be a minor or working for a school paper). After college, I plan on going to law school and practicing immigration law thereafter. 

Leilah: I plan to attend a UC and am exploring majors in Political Science or English.

Q: Will you be the first person from your family to attend college? If so, how have your parents/guardians helped you over the years to make sure you reached that milestone?

Natalia: My sister graduated from CSU Stanislaus in 2014, so I will be the second person in my family to attend college. My family has motivated me to put my best foot forward every chance I get. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, I understand the importance of my education and repaying my parents for the sacrifices they’ve made at the expense of their personal dreams and goals. Their unconditional support is the reason I’m able to set the bar higher for myself every day. 

Leilah: Yes, I will be the first person from my family to attend college. My mom has supported this journey 100 percent. She never fails to be there for my little brother and me. My mom’s first language is Spanish and she didn’t have the support to believe that college was an option for her. She has worked especially hard to be sure that all doors are open to me.

Q: Do you have any role models? If so, who and how have they impacted your life?

Natalia: Two people who have had a major impact on my development as a leader and individual are Mr. Deng and Mr. Merchant. As my leadership director, Merchant has always pushed me to be the best version of myself. He genuinely cares about his students and I view him as the epitome of a selfless leader. Without him, I wouldn’t have understood the importance of campus culture and the creation of an inclusive community. Through my involvement with the Student Educator Program, I’ve worked closely with Mr. Deng and I fundamentally credit my grit and dependability to his guidance. His cheerful banter has motivated me through times of failure and helped me get back up stronger than ever. I’m grateful for having someone as compassionate and transparent in my corner, even if it means losing card games against him during lunch. 

Leilah: My parents are my greatest role models. My Baba (my dad) is so selfless and without his love and encouragement I wouldn’t be where I am today. My mom has supported every aspect of my life, from playing sports and participating in new things at school to challenging me to be the best version of myself. My little brother, Omar, is also such a ray of sunshine in my life. He never fails to keep me smiling. If he sees that I’m having a rough day, he can always find a way to make me laugh, or he’ll put on my favorite TV show and watch it with me. He’s the best ever.