ISBE Welcomes 21 Student Leaders to 2025-26 Student Advisory Council

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has announced 21 high school students selected to serve on its 2025-26 Student Advisory Council, including 14 new and seven returning members from across the state. The Student Advisory Council provides a meaningful forum for students to share their experiences and personal perspectives on education in Illinois and to help shape policies that directly affect themselves and their peers.

Members of the State Board welcomed the 2025-26 Student Advisory Council at the start of the September regular business meeting in Springfield.

"We are excited to welcome the 2025-26 Student Advisory Council," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "This group represents the best of Illinois' student leaders, who are ready to use their voices to address challenges and shape solutions. Their insight will help us strengthen learning environments and ensure that every student in Illinois feels heard and supported. We also hope this experience will inspire them to continue their journeys in advocacy and public service."

Council members are selected through a rigorous process that includes a written application and video interview, in which students demonstrate their communication skills, leadership potential, and passion for improving education in Illinois. Council members will research and present recommendations on key issues affecting student success statewide.

The new members of the 2025-26 Student Advisory Council are:

• Alyssa Aubuschon, senior at Mt. Olive High School
  
• Yoonsung Cho, junior at Mahomet-Seymour High School
  
• Yasir Espinoza, senior at Waukegan High School
  
• Maryam Hafiz, sophomore at Glenwood High School
  
• Emma Johnson, senior at Belleville West High School
  
• Mowosimi Kolawole, junior at Plainfield North High School
  
• Sara McChristian, senior at Collinsville High School
  
• Darion Millender, sophomore at East St. Louis Senior High School
  
• Miranda Moreno-Balderas, sophomore at Plainfield South High School
  
• Yamil Pacheco, senior at Downers Grove South High School
  
• Olivia Quertemous, sophomore at Vienna High School
  
• Kavin Ramasamy, senior at Whitney M. Young High School
  
• Carlin St. Ledger, senior at Edwards County High School
  
• Cloud R. Sutton, senior at Jersey Community High School
  

The returning members of the council are:​

• Natalie Harris, junior at Springfield Southeast High School
  
• Danielle Moore, junior at Thornwood High School
  
• Kristen Painter, junior at Riverton High School
  
• Jennie Ren, senior at Benton Consolidated High School
  
• Deja Robinson, senior at O'Fallon Township High School
  
• Elijah Smith, junior at Glenwood High School
  
• Jeffery Tong, senior at Naperville North High School
  

Learn more about the Student Advisory Council on ISBE's Student Voices webpage.