On behalf of more than two million public school students in Illinois, an eighteen-member council provides the perspective of high school students on a number of issues, delving into topics such as grading, physical education and bullying policies for the Student Advisory Council to the State Board of Education. This past summer, one student from Hinsdale Central was chosen–Seetha Aribindi–making this a first for the high school.

“I go to Springfield every other month during the school year to meet with the other students on the council,” Aribindi said. “As members, we advise the State Board of Education, with our perspective as students enrolled at high schools across Illinois, about issues concerning the education system.”

The process was very competitive with a very low acceptance rate–less than one percent.

Aribindi added,“To submit my application I had to receive approval from from our principal and the superintendent of our school district. In the application I had to answer two essay questions on leadership and submit letters of recommendation from my teachers. In July I had a phone interview with members of the State Board of Education, and then in August I was told I received a position on the council.”

Her application was a standout due to her leadership in activities at Central. In her application essay, she spoke about being in Ambassadors at Hinsdale Central and being an editor of Devils’ Advocate.