Poland Regional High School board reps are voice of students

PHOTO: Regional School Unit 16 student school board reps Joe Elliot and Cadence Peters. (Submitted photo)

POLAND — When Andrea Winn started on the Regional School Unit 16 school board, she didn’t know what to expect.
“Now, after many meetings and school functions, the words that come to mind are impressive, reassured, and hopeful,” she said.
A big part of that, she added, are the two student representatives on the board, senior Joseph Elliot and junior Cadence Peters.
“Both are poised and articulate,” Winn, of Mechanic Falls, said. “Face it, it’s not easy speaking in a roomful of adults, but they represent the student body and their respective classes with composure and wit.”
Elliot started his leadership path because he believes students deserve a voice in policies and procedures that affect so much of their lives. “He has a well-thought-out position on all things school, from the teacher shortage to the cafeteria food,” Winn said.
Peters was drawn to leadership in elementary school, and enjoys being in charge and getting things done. The mathlete and S.T.E.M. student “is confident in what she wants and where she is going,” Winn said. “And she has no opinion about the cafeteria food; she brown-bags her lunch.
“Joe and Cadence are impressive examples of PRHS students,” Winn said. “They reassure me that through their knowledge and willingness to do the work. Joe and Cadence also make me hopeful that our big blue marble will be in good hands.”