DENTON — The Caroline County Board of Education recognized Vanessa Odidika and Kadeen Belle as Student Board Representatives for the 2024-2025 school year.
Derek Simmons, superintendent of schools for Caroline County, described Odidika and Belle as outstanding students and said the board was excited to have their input on future decisions.
Each year, both Caroline County high schools select a student board representative who will serve their schools and their county for the upcoming school year.
The Caroline County Board of Education has a policy of having two non-voting student representatives. Students are chosen according to the practices of their individual schools and are responsible for providing information about activities and events occurring at their school and the elementary and middle schools in their area.
Simmons introduced both students and their extensive leadership roles and accomplishments.
Odidika is a senior at Colonel Richardson High School. She is treasurer of the Straight Gay Alliance, a member of the National Honor Society and the Technical Honor Society, and a member of the LEO Club, orchestra and chorus.
After graduation, Odidika plans to be a pediatric emergency physician.
Belle is a junior at North Caroline High School. She is treasurer of the class of 2026, as well as treasurer of the Student Government Association, student ambassador for the Maryland Business Roundtable, co-director of the Regional Policy Director of the Eastern Shore of Maryland AYA and a member of TRIO Upward Bound. She is involved in the intensive law trial program at Stanford University and plans to study law after graduation.
Simmons described the students as outstanding representatives of their schools and said he looked forward to the leadership they will bring as student representatives to the board.
“We are thrilled to have you guys, and we’re looking forward to a great year together next year, so thank you all for being here tonight,” Simmons said. “This is the only night where you won’t be sitting up here at a table for a while and contributing and being a part of it, but we are thrilled to have you here tonight and being able to come out.”
A former student representative was in the crowd as well, and she advised Odidika and Belle to take time to visit the other schools, including the elementary and middle schools in the county. She also encouraged them to check out any events happening in those schools and engage with the community so they have a better understanding of the community they will help make decisions for.
At the end of the introductions, Simmons also gave the student representatives a piece of advice.
“Feel free to make the most of it and be part of it and help provide your voice when we’re at board meetings and feedback and those things as well,” Simmons said.
The student representatives will begin their responsibilities in September.
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