Rainbow board swears in new student trustee

Billy Mekers, a Grade 12 student at Lasalle Secondary School, will serve as student trustee on the Rainbow District School Board for the 2009-2010 school year.

He was sworn in at the board meeting Aug. 24.

“We have a responsibility to develop our future leaders and student trustees help us to achieve this important objective,” said board chair Judy Hunda, in a release.

“We welcome Billy Mekers' input, knowing that he will bring a unique perspective to the table. His involvement on the board will give him an inside look at democracy in action.”

Mekers said he looks forward to fulfilling his role.

“My first three years of secondary education have provided me with the complete high school experience,” he said.  “In the role of student trustee, I will greatly encourage other students to become involved and create memories and life lessons of their own. I look forward to sharing the student voice with the board and gaining hands-on experience in this important role.”

Mekers is chair of the Rainbow District School Board Student Senate and is a member of the Lasalle Secondary School Student Council, stated the release.

A Lancer Scholar, he placed third at the Sudbury Regional Business Plan Challenge in 2008 and captured third place at the provincial Business Plan Challenge. He was also a member of the Lasalle Envirothon Team.
        
He is chair of Lasalle’s Relay For Life, and helps organize the school’s Canned Food Drive. He has played in the Lasalle Intermediate Concert Band. He is actively involved in sports at Lasalle, including Curling and Tennis. He has been a curler for seven years and has competed in the provincial championships.

Mekers plans to pursue his postsecondary studies at Laurentian University. He has his sights on a career in medicine or education.