WAYNESBORO, VA – Waynesboro Public Schools congratulates Waynesboro High School student Aidan Rodriguez on his appointment to Governor Abigail Spanberger’s Student Advisory Board. Aidan was among eight students named to the board in the governor’s July 20 announcement.
“I was immediately surprised,” Aidan said. “After I got over the initial thought, my brain started racing with different ideas and policies on how I’d use my position to help education thrive throughout Virginia.”
Aidan hopes to bring state leaders a fuller picture of students’ lives and needs. He said his friendships with students who have different academic experiences, attendance challenges and language backgrounds have shaped his commitment to listening to and representing others. His volunteer work at Camp LIGHT, a summer camp for people with special needs, also sparked his interest in the experiences of students receiving special education services.
“I want to make sure that state leaders are able to see the authentic experiences and challenges that students face and not just surface level assumptions,” Aidan said.
School safety is another issue Aidan hopes to raise. Reflecting on the September incident at Westwood Hills Elementary School, he said he wants conversations about safety to include both physical security and students’ mental health.
“I want to ensure that others don’t have to face that same fear,” Aidan said. “I want to be able to talk about tactics to not only make sure students are physically safe in schools, but also mentally safe.”
“Aidan is approaching this opportunity with a real commitment to listening to other students and bringing their experiences into the conversation,” said Dr. Cassell, superintendent of Waynesboro Public Schools. “We are proud that he will represent Waynesboro Public Schools, and we look forward to the perspective he will bring to the Student Advisory Board.”
Waynesboro High School student Aidan Rodriguez is pictured with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ryan Barber following Aidan’s recognition at a Waynesboro School Board meeting for his appointment to the Governor’s Student Advisory Board.
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