Blake Deppe, a junior at Washington High School, is the new student adviser for the School District of Washington’s Board of Education. He was sworn in during the January 18 meeting.
Deppe replaces Matthew Freitag as the student adviser to the Board. The terms are for one year.
Interested student candidates recently went through an application and interview process with administration prior to being selected by the high school student body.
“I’m happy and pleased that I was chosen for this position of school board student representative. I’m ready to get started working in the elementary schools, the middle school, and all of the buildings in the district to let the students’ voices be heard,” Deppe said. “My grandpa, Rich Deppe, was on the school board. He’s a big inspiration for me. It’s just something I want to try and put myself out there. I want to try something new and challenge myself. This is a good opportunity for me to get my voice heard and give our students recognition.”
Blake is highly involved with different clubs and groups at Washington High School, including National Honor Society, Vice President of Key Club, FFA, Spanish Club, and Principal’s Advisory.
“My favorite class my freshman year as probably Mrs. Wood’s English I class. My sophomore year, I really liked Mr. Rinne’s American West class and I really liked Chemistry with Mrs. Meyer,” Deppe said. “This year, I challenged myself to do AP Seminar with Mr. Flynn. I’m really happy that I decided to take that step.
“I love how Washington High School has so many opportunities for students. There will always be something for you to do here,” Deppe continued. “There’s never a dull moment. There’s always something happening, an event or something put on by a club. I also like how diverse people are here and how everyone fits in.”
Blake said he hopes to build on what his predecessor, Matthew Freitag, accomplished as the school board student representative.
Freitag, is his final meeting as student representative, was recognized by the Board of Education for his year of service.
“Matthew has given me advice on what I should do in this role,” Deppe said. “He at least wants me to visit the elementary schools. I definitely want to expand on the elementary schools and have their voices heard. It’s not just the high school. We also have the elementary schools, the middle school, the Early Learning Center, and the Four Rivers Career Center.”
The student adviser is expected to attend all regular board meetings, give student adviser reports, and may be asked to report on particular issues. The adviser also is expected to communicate with students throughout the district on a regular basis.
The student adviser does not sit in on executive sessions or is privy to any confidential information.
Blake is the son of Nathan and Jill Deppe. His sister, Alyssa, is a freshman at WHS. As far as his plans after high school are concerned, Deppe is keeping an open mind.
“They seem to change on a weekly basis,” he said. “Most likely, I want to go to college. There are many things I would be interested in studying. I’m possibly thinking about the business management area. I could always take that back to our farm.”
Blake Deppe
Blake Deppe is sworn in as school board student representative by current board member Kevin Blackburn.
Blake Deppe is sworn in as school board student representative by current board member Kevin Blackburn.
Blake Deppe is sworn in as school board student representative by current board member Kevin Blackburn.
School board member Kevin Blackburn with Blake Deppe.
Blake Deppe is pictured with his family.
Outgoing school board student representative Matthew Freitag was recognized by the Board of Education for his year of service.
Outgoing school board student representative Matthew Freitag with Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart and Board of Education President Dan Leslie.