Irma Lemus
BURBANK -- Speaking for their peers on educational issues can be
overwhelming enough. But having to do it on live television will add an
extra edge to the job for Burbank's new student board members.
Marissa Mike of John Burroughs High School, Melineh Terzian of Burbank
High School and Hovik Rostomyan of Monterey High School will represent
their fellow students by giving oral reports at board meetings and by
advocating for students' positions on a variety of campus issues during
the 2000-01 school year.
The meetings are aired live at 6 p.m. on Charter Cable Channel 6 the
first and last Thursday of each month, a fact that has not gone unnoticed
by the three.
"I was nervous about speaking at the board meeting ... but the board
members have been really nice. They made me feel really comfortable,"
said Hovik, 17, who was sworn in with his fellow student board members on
Sept. 7.
For Hovik and the other new board members, representing the district's
high school students will add a new layer of responsibility to their
senior year.
Hovik said his top priority will be working to establish a student
government at Monterey. He will also push for school identification cards
for Monterey students and lobby to make geometry and chemistry classes
available at the school.
Melineh, 16, Burbank High's representative, said her main objective is
to spread the word about student achievement at her school.
"I really want the board to participate in school events and see the
good work students do. It's not all bad," she said.
Although there were no specific issues on her agenda, Melineh said she
plans to ensure that student and faculty concerns are addressed at board
meetings.
Marissa, 16, said representing John Burroughs on the board is a
tradition for the Burroughs student body president, another job she'll be
holding this year.
"I'm really excited about being on the board. There are so many events
that we are planning and would like the board members to attend," she
said.
