Jamesville-DeWitt High School senior Malak Aljerari is serving as the 2022-23 Ex-Officio Student Board Member on the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District Board of Education.
In May 2021, voters approved the non-voting position, which is annually filled by a high school senior for a one-year term. The student member, who is elected by their high school peers, may sit with the board at all public board meetings and public hearings but may not attend executive sessions.
To get to know Malak a bit, we asked her the following questions.
Why did you want to serve on the board of education?
Initially the previous board representative Grace Evans told me about the position and encouraged me to check it out. Mrs. Oppedisano also encouraged me to run for the position. Ultimately, I felt confident to run because I am used to the “board meeting format” due to my experience with Model United Nations conferences.
What issues do you think are important to J-D students?
Through what I have seen in the Climate Survey data from last year, having a safe and positive school environment so that students can flourish and connect with teachers, staff and other students is one of the most important issues. Moreover, prioritizing inclusivity, collaboration and mutual respect is also very important. These issues will become more clear as I create more ThoughtExchanges with Mr. Franz (J-D’s assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and equity).
How do you plan to stay in tune with the student body so you are sharing their views with the board of education?
My plans to stay in tune consist of using my Instagram account for this position to connect with the student body and get important information to and from the board meetings.
How many years have you been a J-D student?
I have been a J-D student for 6 years, the longest I have been at one school district, and the best school district I have attended.
What elementary school did you attend?
I attended Johnson City and John E. Joy elementary schools.
What do you like best about being a high school student?
I love the opportunities we have to explore our different interests through clubs and electives. I also like the greater involvement of our school counselors.
Do you participate in any interscholastic sports teams, extracurricular activities or play a musical instrument?
I am a club officer for Model United Nations, Refugee Outreach Club, Amnesty International and French Honors Society. I am also a member of the school’s math team, and I volunteer at my local mosque. I also participated in tennis and track briefly.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plan is to directly enroll into college. I am interested in a few different fields and programs that I am applying to.
Do you have a dream job?
My dream job when I was four years old was to be a designer, now I would say a doctor or a successful businesswoman.
Have you ever met someone famous?
I have never met a famous person, but I am also not that familiar with celebrities so who knows.
What food could you eat every day and not get tired of it?
My Moroccan grandma might be upset but definitely a fried egg bagel sandwich. I will never get tired of them.
What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
“How to Get Away with Murder” is my favorite TV show, “Interstellar” is my favorite movie.
Do you have a favorite book?
“David and Goliath” by Malcom Gladwell. It was a different format than I am used to but contained solid life advice.
What’s your favorite school subject?
I like science and history!
If you could eat lunch with one famous person, who would it be?
I would have KFC with Colonel Sanders so I can find out what the secret recipe is.
It’s 11 p.m. Are you ready for bed or wide awake?
Unfortunately, the latter. I’m trying to change it though.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Raspberry sorbet, super refreshing.
What is your favorite type of music?
If it’s a good song, no matter the genre, it’s getting added to the playlist, even country.
What is something you’ve never done that you’d like to try?
I would love to solo travel internationally.
What accomplishment of yours are you most proud of?
I am proud of putting myself outside of my comfort zone and developing my public speaking skills and confidence.
What is something that not many people know about you that would surprise most people?
I love to draw!