By Jessica Stark
Gargoyle assistant editor
Posted Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, The OG, news

Most know junior Micah Berman for his charming and easygoing personality, not to mention his vast contributions to Uni in terms of video editing and computer technology.

But now there's another reason to get to know the junior class president: He was recently appointed to the Illinois State Board of Education's Student Advisory Council. This means that he will travel to Springfield several times a year with other students from around the state to discuss state issues in education.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich and State Superintendent Randy Dunn announced Wednesday the 15 members of the council — sophomores, juniors, and seniors from around the state who will bring the concerns of their peers to the ISBE.

Berman, 16, found out about the council last year from a schoolwide e-mail sent out by Director/Principal Kassie Patton encouraging students to apply for the position in order to represent Uni and Illinois schools in general.

“It seemed like an interesting opportunity, so I did some online research to find more information on the council,” Berman said. “Since it seemed interesting, I filled out an application and got letters of reference to submit with it. I think policymaking is pretty interesting stuff, and it seemed like a new and interesting experience — a different environment and different people than I'd normally be exposed to.”

The council, originally formed in 1975, plans to meet about four times each year in Springfield, in addition to holding many more discussions over the Internet. The issues the council addresses are extremely varied.

“Last year, they did a collaboration project with a detailed comparison and exchange program between an inner-city Chicago school and a rural school,” Berman explained. “I wrote my application about race and integration in public schools, and it's an issue that I'm hoping we'll be able to address. I haven't been informed of what's slated for this year.”

The group will also do research and work on projects independent of the ISBE and present to the board once or twice a year the projects they've been working on.

Despite his lack of experience in working on advisory councils, Berman is enthusiastic about his initial yearlong undertaking with the council.

“I hope to get experience working with different kinds of people, kids, and especially adults,” he said. “I also look forward to getting a peek into the operation of a state agency. And last, but not least, I hope to make an impact on education in Illinois!”

Berman and nine other appointees are new to the council; five are returning members.

“These students were selected because of their service to their schools and communities, and because of their interest in Illinois education,” Blagojevich said in a press statement released Wednesday. “They have the unique opportunity to provide input to the State Board of Education and shape programs and policies based on their perspectives. It's an important responsibility and one that I think these young leaders are ready for.”

Besides Berman, the first-time Student Advisory Council members are:

Joya A. Anthony, junior, East St. Louis Senior High School
Kent E. Kiefer, senior, Hamilton County High School
Emma L. LePere, junior, Belleville Township High School
Amy Maldonado, sophomore, School for Social Justice High School, Little Village Campus (Chicago)
Stephanie Matos, senior, Carl Schurz High School (Chicago)
Alix M. Olian, senior, Highland Park High School
Ryan H. Ornstein, sophomore, Grayslake North High School
Samuel E. Schoenburg, senior, Springfield High School
Allison K. Tharp, senior, Newton Community High School

Returning members are:

Ariel J. Austin, junior, King College Prep High School (Chicago)
Anna K. Bittman, senior, New Trier High School (Winnetka)
Michael L. Byerley, senior, Lemont High School
Nicholas J. Diaz, junior, West Leyden High School
Andrea K. Lockley, senior, East Richland High School