October 2020 — Collinsville High School Senior America Gutierrez-Trejo has been named the 2020-21 Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Student School Board member and was selected to serve on the Illinois State Board of Education Student Advisory Council for this school year.
The CUSD 10 student school board member is a non-voting student voice on the district’s Board of Education. The student school board member attends regular monthly meetings of the BOE and carries out duties as assigned. CHS rising seniors can submit an application, including a transcript and essays about why they want to serve and what they see as issues important to the student body. A panel of CHS faculty recommends a candidate for approval by the BOE. America was approved by the BOE at the September 2020 meeting.
In addition, America applied and was chosen to serve on the 2020-21 ISBE Student Advisory Council. According to the ISBE website: “Each year a group of students are chosen from around the state to be student advisors to the board. This group of students have the opportunity to see the State Board’s policymakers in action and work with them to provide student perspectives and concerns on the state’s education policies. Students come together a handful of times throughout the year and work remotely on a research project that is presented to the Board. Applications are available in the spring and students are chosen over the summer with their work beginning in September and culminating with a presentation to the Board in March.”
In her application to serve as CUSD 10 student school board member, America wrote, ” I’ve been a member of district 10 for such a long time and I would love to be more involved. I would also like to give back to my community.” She believes her experience as a Hispanic student gives her a unique perspective.
“I believe racism is an issue in the student community. As students, we need to speak up and say what’s happening in our community. Letting others know about what is happening will help our community be more connected. We need to set a new standard. Those who make rude comments and have unfair beliefs should think about what they’re about to say and then speak.”
At CHS, America has been a participant in Conversation for a Brighter Future organized by the Mannie Jackson Center for the Humanities Foundation. The program uses four pillars – Respect, Dignity, Forgiveness and Understanding – to make the community a better place by connecting school administration/teachers with students. She has helped planned events and fundraisers to benefit the school community.
America is also a member of CHS Leo Club (affiliated with the Lions Club), Spanish Club, Upward Bound Math and Science, and Varsity Tennis. She earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and has been named CHS Student of the Month three times.
Click HERE to read the welcome announcement made by ISBE on October 20, 2020.