Grace Minakowski, a rising senior at Huntingtown High School, has been elected by the Calvert Association of Student Councils (CASC) to serve as the 2024-2025 Student Member of the Board of Education (BOE) for Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS). Minakowski was officially sworn in during the BOE meeting on May 9, 2024, and will begin her term on June 1, 2024.
Minakowski brings a wealth of experience in student advocacy and leadership to her new role. She currently holds the position of Special Issues Director for the Maryland Association of Student Councils, serves as an officer for CASC, and is an intern for Senator Michael A. Jackson of District 27. Additionally, she has completed a two-year term as Chair and Legislative Chair of the Maryland Youth Advisory Council, a state-legislature appointed body established in 2009.
Beyond her advocacy work, Minakowski is actively involved in extracurricular activities at Huntingtown High School. She is a captain of the Cross Country team and participates in the school’s Eye of the Storm Productions theatre company, contributing both as an actor and set designer.
As the Student Member of the Board (SMOB), Minakowski is committed to championing student rights and representation. She aims to enhance the educational, safety, and expression-related rights of students and intends to increase awareness of the SMOB role within the community by attending student events and forums. “I am beyond excited to work with my colleagues on the board and the community at large to make CCPS a better place for all youth stakeholders,” Minakowski expressed.
The SMOB position is established by the Annotated Code of Maryland. While the student member is a non-voting member of the Board, they are permitted to cast a symbolic vote on all matters before the Board. To be eligible for the position, a student must be a rising high school junior or senior within CCPS. The SMOB term runs from June 1 through May 31. The primary responsibility of the student member is to facilitate communication between the BOE and the student body, ensuring that student feedback is considered on issues before the Board.
Minakowski’s election reflects the continued commitment of CCPS to include student perspectives in the decision-making process. Her diverse experience in leadership roles and her passion for student advocacy position her well to make significant contributions during her term.
