Two conscientious and involved young leaders were selected as the next student representatives to the Community Consolidated School District 89 Board of Education. Glen Crest Middle School eighth-grade students Krish Uppal and Alyssa Zepeda begin their one-year term at the August 17 Board of Education meeting.
“It is always inspiring to meet the amazing young people who apply to be student board members,” said CCSD 89 superintendent Doug Eccarius. “I know the Board is looking forward to working with Alyssa and Krish. They both stood out for their commitment to raising up other students’ voices.”
Uppal and Zepeda will represent their classmates at monthly Board meetings. Student Board Members report on the celebrations and challenges in the district and often organize initiatives to benefit students. They do not vote at meetings. To be selected, candidates submit an application, written essay, and letter of recommendation, then interview with a board member and district administrators.
This is the eighth year CCSD 89 will have Student Board Members. CCSD 89 is one of the few Illinois districts to have middle school students serving as Student Board Members.
Krish Uppal
Uppal has kept himself busy throughout his time in CCSD 89. At Glen Crest Middle School, he has been a member of the Student Leadership Coalition, math team, and chess club. He plays percussion and clarinet in the 7th & 8th grade band as well as percussion in the jazz band.
At Westfield Elementary School, he was part of the robotics club, gardening club, newspaper, and student council. Outside of school, he plays golf and piano. In taekwondo, he finished second in the state for cadet board breaking, qualified for nationals, and earned the President’s Silver Volunteer Service Award.
Uppal believes all students will feel motivated if they get involved. He is interested in finding more ways to connect students with organizations that help others in and outside of Glen Crest.
“I care deeply about increasing confidence amongst younger students,” Uppal said. “I believe helping students learn about diverse fields and opportunities at a young age will truly be helpful in creating a better learning environment and, ultimately, a better community.”
Glen Crest science teacher Maggie Moran has been impressed by the thoughtful ideas Uppal has shared about increasing student engagement and promoting school spirit.
“One of Krish’s greatest strengths is his genuine desire to be a voice for the students at Glen Crest,” Moran wrote. “He cares deeply about creating a positive school environment where students feel connected and involved.”
Alyssa Zepeda
When Zepeda needed a letter of reference, she asked someone who has known her for many years: her first grade teacher, Abby Coran.
“Even in first grade, Alyssa stood out as an amazing student, and it has been wonderful to see her continued growth into a capable and driven middle schooler,” Coran wrote in her recommendation letter. “She has both the ability and heart to represent her peers thoughtfully and responsibly.”
At Glen Crest, Zepeda has been a part of the musical and track and field team while also volunteering at Feed My Starving Children and DuPage Pads, where she helps people experiencing homelessness. At Westfield Elementary, she was a part of the newspaper, Girls on the Run, unified basketball, garden club, and student council.
“The student sitting next to you in science class might have grown up in a completely different country, speak a different language at home, or gone through experiences you can’t imagine,” she said. “One of my main goals would be to encourage students to embrace their differences because differences are what makes District 89 so rich and diverse.
“I’ve always known I wanted to use my voice for something positive, and the fact that I am able to use it now to speak up for all students in the district is meaningful,” she said.