CHS senior becomes sole student representative for the Tennessee State Board of Education

Olivia Hall, Editor-in-Chief

   Each year, a Tennessee student is chosen by the governor to sit on the State Board of Education and represent students from all over the state. The student representative is given the same power as all other board members. Their responsibilities include voting on and making amendments to the state’s policies. This year, that student is CHS senior Bonza Auberson.

   Auberson is the first Putnam County student to receive this honor.

   “I just hope to fairly represent students from all over the state, not just [students] in Putnam County,” said Auberson.

   Auberson has plans of creating an email account to serve as a direct line of communication to the school board for students all over the state. She will also make several trips to Tennessee schools to give her a better understanding of who she is representing. These trips will serve as a way for her to network with students in other counties and better understand their needs.

    “I would love to hear from our student body at Cookeville High School and other student bodies across the state. Being able to evenly share ideas from all Tennessee students is one of my biggest goals,” said Auberson.

   Auberson is not alone in her excitement. Many of the board’s members cannot wait to see her plans come to life throughout her term.

   Dr. Sara Morrison, executive director of the State Board of Education, said,“We are elated to have Bonza serve as our student member. She has a unique opportunity to maximize the student perspective and advocate for practices that best support learning in the classroom.”

   Auberson will serve on the board until August 2025.