PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As it prepares to consider an already-controversial school facilities plan, Philadelphia's school board has three new student voices.
Two student representatives and an alternate took their seats on the Philadelphia Board of Education on Thursday. The young board representatives can't vote, but they provide a valuable student perspective for the adults making the decisions.
One of the new student members on the school board is Northeast High School junior Ramisha Karim. Her AP Language and Composition teacher, Christy Kenney Quinn, said Ramisha's classmates respect her for her integrity.
"What makes her so special is her awareness of the world around her. She is globally aware, she is nationally aware, she is locally aware," Kenney Quinn told the board. "She is taking this awareness and becoming an agent for change."
Karim said she was committed to representing the Muslim community and working for inclusion.
"As I step into this role, I'd like to remember all of the women that walked so I could run," she said. "I'd like to remember all of the Muslims who were heard but never truly seen. And I'd like to remember all the people of color that were unable to speak up or even think of being in the position that I am today."
Philadelphia High School for Girls principal KaTiedra Argro praised new student representative Brianni Carter.
"Brianni doesn't follow paths; she creates them. She represents intelligence, courage, and leadership in motion," Argro said.
Brianni Carter, the junior class president at Girls High, promised to listen to her peers and relay their voices to the board.
"Through my time as a student leader, I've learned that leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the room. It's about listening," Carter said.
"I can't wait to help bridge the gap between students and the Board of Education -- strengthening communication, building trust, and working together towards the best possible future."
Semira Reyes, an 11th grader at The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, is the board's alternate student member.
"Before I knew it, I realized my purpose in all this was to implement equity. Not just an area of the city but districtwide. To help set up a strong foundation for a system that would be here long after I'm gone," Reyes said.
Board members said this year's student applicants were especially qualified.
"Every student approached this process with professionalism and preparation, making it extremely difficult for our selection team to make a decision," said board Vice President Sarah-Ashley Andrews. "The students being appointed this evening stood out for their passion and commitment to advocating for their peers."
The student representatives were installed as the board gets ready to receive a facilities plan that recommends closing 20 schools.