Olympia School District welcomes new student representatives 

The Olympia School District Board of Directors swore in four student representatives for the 2026-27 school year at a meeting on May 28.

Returning representatives Emma McDonald from the Olympia Regional Learning Academy and Malachi Cardona from Capital High School were welcomed, as were new representatives Juniper Hummel-Church from Avanti High School and Claire Hartzell from Olympia High School. 

The board annually selects high school juniors or seniors to serve as student representatives for all schools with grades nine through 12. 

“In carrying out this responsibility, you will be asked to fulfill the roles of vision, structure, accountability and advocacy,” said Board President Jess Tourtellotte-Palumbo. 

The students will serve in an advisory capacity during board meetings and may also cast non-binding, advisory votes on motions before the board.  

“They contribute to discussion by providing student insight and are encouraged to comment about policies, procedures and decisions that affect students. They also serve as a liaison for student leadership at their schools and report to fellow students about the work of the board and district activities,” the district’s website states. 

The representatives read the oath, vowing to contribute to the board through student insights, serving as a liaison for the Associated Student Body and reporting to students about the board’s work. 

The board also thanked outgoing student representatives Vy Le from Olympia High School and Juniper Hummel-Church from Avanti High School.