JAY — The Regional School Unit 73, or Spruce Mountain school district, board of directors approved Mason Labonte and Aubrey Mitchell as the new student representatives to the board at the May 22 meeting held at Spruce Mountain Middle School in Jay.

Labonte will be a senior next year while Mitchell will be a junior. The Livermore Falls Advertiser reached out to them to learn a bit more about their desire to serve on the board and career goals.

1. Why do you want to serve on the board?

Labonte: I am actively involved in various student-led initiatives, including those focused on youth engagement and involvement. I believe that students’ voices need to be heard in all areas that directly affect them. It is crucial that students have a seat at the table when decisions are being made that impact their education. The RSU 73 board of directors holds a key responsibility in shaping our educational environment, and I want to ensure that student perspectives are included in those discussions.

Mitchell: I want to serve on the school board because I believe that it would be an excellent experience for me to have before I go off to college. I would also like to contribute to the decision making that directly impacts my education and school environment.

2. In what ways might you be able to help other students and/or staff members by serving on the board?

Mitchell: I would like to ensure the students’ perspectives are considered in policy making, and be their advocate for changes.

Labonte: My role on the board would be to provide a voice for the students on any matters that come before the board. Every decision made by the board directly impacts the students and their peers. I believe it is essential for their concerns and viewpoints to be represented, ensuring that the decisions are well informed and reflect the needs of the student body.

3. What other sports or extracurricular activities are you involved with at school?

Labonte: I am heavily involved in several extracurricular activities, including our school’s drama program, the robotics team, and the Career and Technical Education program. These experiences have not only allowed me to develop valuable skills but have also contributed to my personal growth and involvement within the school community.

Mitchell: Other extracurricular activities I am involved in are soccer, softball, National Honor Society, Envirothon, and Student Council.

4. Which one(s) do you enjoy the most and why?

Mitchell: The extracurriculars that I enjoy the most are Envirothon and softball. While being a new member of the Envirothon team as of this year, I have learned the importance of communication and working as team in order to solve problems. Softball is another one of my favorites because I love being alongside my friends whether it’s on the field or at team bonding events.

Labonte: I particularly enjoy my time with the robotics team because it has provided me with many opportunities for growth and development. One of the most significant outcomes of my involvement in robotics is the confidence I have gained to pursue leadership roles, such as this one on the board. Before joining the robotics team, I would never have imagined taking on such a position, but the experiences there have empowered me to step forward and contribute more to the school.

5. What are your career goals or plans following high school?

Labonte: After high school, I plan to pursue a degree in either business administration or secondary education, with a focus on teaching social studies or economics at the high school level. Both of these fields align with my interests, and I look forward to contributing to the education system, whether in a business setting or as an educator, helping guide students in subjects that are important to their futures.

Mitchell: My career plan following high school is to go to college and pursue environmental engineering and geology.