Wilbur Cross High School sophomore Daniela “Dani” McTiernan Huge has been elected as the new student representative on the New Haven Board of Education. She emerged victorious in a competitive four-way race, securing 853 votes from her peers. This election fills the position soon to be vacated by Jonaily Colon, a senior from High School in the Community.

McTiernan Huge will serve a two-year term as one of the two non-voting student members on the Board, alongside Career High School’s Abdellah Aly. Her role involves voicing student concerns and ideas to district leaders, ensuring that the student body is heard in educational decisions.

The election process required candidates to gather 50 signatures from students at their own schools and an additional 50 from students at four other high schools. McTiernan Huge actively campaigned by putting up posters, making announcements, and engaging with students during school events.

Her campaign priorities include advocating for later high school start times, aligning with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations for an 8:30 a.m. start. She also aims to secure more funding for school facilities, particularly bathrooms, and to establish designated study hall times for academic support.

The election saw participation from other candidates, including Metropolitan Business Academy’s Michael Mapuvire, Hillhouse’s Yoselit Ortiz, and Co-op’s Jael Phillips, who garnered 596, 593, and 432 votes respectively. Despite the competitive atmosphere, all candidates expressed pride in their efforts and a commitment to continue serving their schools.

City officials, including Board of Education members and local government representatives, were present at City Hall for the vote count. They commended the students for their leadership and civic engagement. The election concluded with a message of encouragement from Board of Education member Andrea Downer, who praised the candidates for their contributions to the New Haven Public Schools district.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.