Meet Kate Carter, Johnson City Board of Education’s student member

Kate Carter is a 17-year-old senior at Science Hill High School participating in the AP Capstone Program and concentrating her studies on the Med Tech Pathway. Last year, the Johnson City Board of Education named her a junior board member, and this year, she moved up to the senior board member seat. The non-voting student board member joins the school board for meetings, learning about the decision-making process and providing a student's perspective on school-related issues. We asked Kate a few questions about her service on the school board and her academic career. Here’s what she had to say.

Why did you want to be a student school board member?

As well as this opportunity being a formative leadership experience, I wanted to serve as the student representative for the BOE to influence my own educational experience. Since elementary school, my teachers and parents have instilled that success is up to me to achieve. In this post, I knew I would be able to take charge of the goings on of my school and develop realistic suggestions based on my fellow students' educational needs and wants. Many students feel powerless to change their experience, but this appointment has helped me to give them a voice, in addition to my own, to create the best education possible.  

What have you learned during your time on the board?

I have learned in the past year and a half about compromise, the power of elected officials, and the ever-changing nature of education. Complex policies are consistently changing, and the BOE navigates the nuances of current education to best alter or add policies. I have learned that one small voice can make major waves if they consult the correct people. Finally, I have learned invaluable lessons about leadership, formal processes, and doing the best thing for the largest amount of people.

What do you enjoy most about being a student school board member?

I most enjoy meeting with the board members in committee meetings and providing a student perspective on important issues. I feel honored to be able to attend the Student Congress on Policies in Education (SCOPE) Conference hosted by the TSBA in which students from all over the state come together to talk about the biggest issues in education.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan on majoring in pre-law or pre-med after graduation and hope to attend either ETSU, the University of Kentucky, or the University of Tennessee.  

As a senior, what advice would you give incoming freshmen?

I would remind freshmen that everything they are going through, everyone at Science Hill understands. I'd also like to emphasize the importance of getting involved and finding your people. High school goes by fast, and it is so much sweeter with friends by your side.