Super Students
Saturday, April 18, 1998Name: Jessica Preece
Age: 17
School: Kahuku High and Intermediate School
Favorite subject: History
Pastimes: Singing
Future: Educator
When Jessica Preece moved to Hawaii from Augusta, Ga., three years ago, she learned to adjust to a new cultural environment. Getting on board for students
Preece began to make new friends and exposed herself to a variety of thoughts, ideas and opinions. That experience, she said, helped her become who she is today.
Preece, a junior at Kahuku High and Intermediate School, was elected 1998-99 student member of the state Board of Education. Her one-year term begins in July.
As the only nonvoting member on the board, Preece will act as a liaison between the board and public high school students. "My goal is to represent the students to the best of my ability."
The board will face issues such as school safety and educational standards, but most difficult will be to provide the best possible education with limited economic resources, she said.
Preece, who has a 4.0 grade-point average, is active in student activities. She's the junior class president and is involved this year in the Mock Congressional Convention, Lincoln-Douglas debate and Vocal Motion, the school's show choir.
Advanced Placement Language teacher Pamela Palmer, whose son Jesse was the BOE student member two years ago, said Preece has the ability to analyze issues and offer constructive feedback.
She's articulate, humble and mature for her age, qualities that would make her an outstanding board member, Palmer said. "She'll do a good job."
Shirley Iida, Star-Bulletin
