Newly appointed student representatives Tricia Prewitt and Cassady Weldon are on a mission in 2010: to make sure members of the Snoqualmie Valley School District board of directors hear the voice of Mount Si High School.

Prewitt, a senior, and Weldon, a junior, were chosen out of a number of applicants to be the first student representatives on the school board. They were picked for their involvement and passion to make a difference in their school.

The two students answered questions by Valley Record staff last week on their goals, plans and opinions.

Why are you qualified to be a student representative?

Tricia Prewitt: I’m one of the head chairs for the Recognition Committee in ASB (Mount Si’s Associated Student Body). We are responsible for honoring all students, staff and faculty for their individual achievements. For me to do that, I have to work and communicate with everyone in the school as well as the administration.

Cassady Weldon: Through my involvement in ASB, I have had the chance to work with many different students as well as teachers and other adults. I think that will help me to bridge the gap between the school board and the students.

Why did you apply to be a student representative?

Prewitt: I believe in community service. Giving back to the community is important to me. I have the potential to make a huge impact to my community by bringing the student voice to the Board.

Weldon: I genuinely want to make a difference at Mount Si, and I knew that this would be an excellent opportunity to help make Mount Si a better, safer and more enjoyable school environment.

What changes do you think you can make now that you have a voice on the school board?

Prewitt: I am one of the first to hold this new position, so I have already been a part of a huge change for the board. My hope is to provide that (student) voice in such a way that the board takes our comments as important and meaningful.

Weldon: There will be many opportunities for me to offer my advice to the school board on many issues, but I think that the main thing that I would like to see changed is the crowding problem at the high school. It is a real problem at times and the community needs to step up and help to make Mount Si a better learning environment for students.

How will you get your homework done with this new position under your belt?

Prewitt: School comes first, a long standing rule in our house. In the past, I have taken an extra class at Mount Si while also taking a night class at Bellevue College. It taught me how to study and I am sure those lessons will help me with this new challenge.

Weldon: The board meetings are scheduled for once every two weeks, and as with any other extracurricular activity I will have to mange my time well to ensure that I will allow time for homework.

How have you seen students react to the new student representative position? Do they feel it’s a way for them to get their voice out through actual students?

Prewitt: We have had many issues in the past that we felt the we did not have an opportunity to voice an opinion (on). While I am sure a few shrug, I think most feel that they might be heard more often now.

Weldon: As with anything, there are many opinions about the student rep position. But for the most part, people think that it is going to be a great opportunity for students to get to share their opinions.

Do you see a political future for yourself?

Prewitt: No, I see this opportunity as a way to help my community grow and improve. I plan to study either graphic design or art history. While I don’t have plans to be a politician, I do believe that I will also find a way to contribute back to my community.

Weldon: I have thought about going into politics, but at this point I don’t really know what I would like to do in the future.

How much leverage do you feel you will have as a student representative?

Prewitt: I am encouraged that the board wants a strong student voice to listen to during the meetings. It is my hope that Cassady and I will be able to provide that in a positive way that the board begins to trust in words.

Weldon: When they ask for my opinion, I think that the board will take it seriously and consider it.

Prewitt was administered her oath of office at the Thursday, Dec. 10, school board meeting. Weldon was seated at the Thursday, Jan. 7 meeting.

Both students will hold office for the 2009-2010 school year.