Zoe Hollingshead had heard about this position with the Board of Education and admits that when it came to excitement and nerves, there was a little bit of both.
But today? It’s all excitement.
“As the meetings go on, it’s been more exciting,” said the Marion senior, this year’s Ex Officio representative to the Marion CSD Board of Education. “Hearing about problems or issues the school faces and how the Board of Education handles them, it’s so interesting and getting to bring students’ perspective to it, it’s an honor that this is my job.”
As president of Student Council at Marion, Zoe was nominated for the position, which serves as a bridge between the student body and the Board of Education. Hollingshead, a Marion student since kindergarten, attends school board meetings and offers reports from the perspective of students.
It may sound simple in theory but in practice, it’s quite different for this busy senior. Not only is she president of the Student Council, she’s involved with National Honor Society (president), yearbook committee, prom committee, marching band and the New Visions program. In addition, she’s a competitive dancer based at the Palmyra-Macedon Conservatory of Dance.
So yes, spare time is a luxury for Zoe but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Especially when it comes to the New Vision program, which she is hoping boosts her career ambition of being a Physician’s Assistant.
“My grandmother is my favorite person and she’s a nurse,” said Zoe, who hopes to attend Rochester Institute of Technology following graduation in June of 2027. “Every day is fascinating and different.”
Despite all the activities that pull her in so many directions, Zoe’s focus for the Ex Officio position is locked. She’s embracing the opportunity to have a voice not only for herself, but for classmates as well.
“I get to comment (at meetings) for the students and bring up our thoughts,” she said. “It’s a really big deal.”
The Marion Board of Education members are thrilled to welcome Zoe’s perspective.
“Zoe is a bright person who adds compassion, interest, and integrity to the BOE,” said Amber Taber, President of the Marion Board of Education. “She helps hold us accountable to the perspectives and needs of the students and offers a line of communication that connects the student body with the people at the governance level of the district. The insights Zoe brings to our meetings help inform our discussions and decisions. It is truly an honor to serve our community together!”
