GISH Senior Owen Williams, (Grand Island Public Schools, Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND — Owen Williams was in fifth grade at Engleman Elementary the first time he spoke to the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education.
Then, he spoke to the board about his school’s Science Fair. Now, he’ll join the board members on the other side of the podium, as he was recently selected as the student board representative.
Owen, a Senior at Grand Island Senior High, was sworn in to his board position at the September 23 Special Board Meeting. The student board representative was chosen by the GISH student body, a process that started in the 2023-2024 school year.
“I’m really grateful they believe in me and I want to do this well for them, my classmates,” Owen said. “My number one goal is to be courageous and to share any opinions or feelings that me and my classmates have and think that we need to share. I don’t want to hold anything back so I can be sure I’m representing them well,” Owen added.
Seeing his dad, Jeff Williams, be active in the community and serve on different boards inspired Owen to serve on the board of education. Owen said his dad’s example motivates him to become more of a community leader.
With his new role, Owen aims to be an advocate and a helper to all.
“I really want to help the student experience. I want to help them and to help improve things, but more importantly to help highlight the good things my classmates are doing,” Owen said. “We have so many great things happening at GISH.”
Since 2007, the GIPS Board of Education has invited one Senior from GISH to occupy a seat at the table and engage in the process of making their school and district better. While the role does not carry voting agency, the student rep has ample opportunity to influence discussion, considerations, and impact opportunities for change.
Not only does Owen want to be sure he’s representing his fellow GISH students, but he is viewing the opportunity to represent all GIPS students as well. He said he wants to contact the different schools in the district to help share their good news, too.
“That left an impact on me,” Owen said of speaking to the board in fifth grade. “I have the goal of wanting to showcase our kids around the district and help keep their love of learning alive.”
Owen will attend each regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting and sit at the same rotunda as the elected Board Members. As an active participant, Owen will have the opportunity to hear all public reports, presentations, and requests. He will have the chance to share his perspective, and share a monthly report on the latest updates, concerns, and ideas from Grand Island Senior High’s student body.
“Owen is everything that represents an Islander!” GISH Principal Calvin Hubbard remarked, adding that Williams is well-rounded and involved in multiple activities.
“He is great for providing guidance on the beat of our students,” Hubbard added. “He is always willing to take on responsibility and willing to share out the GISH experience. He will provide the board with the voice of GISH truthfully.”
While this role carries big responsibility, Owen knows it’s also an opportunity to learn more about what goes into making informed decisions for the school district. During his term, he hopes others also learn from him, especially about what makes his school a special place.
“GISH is maybe one of the most diverse places I’ve ever been to – whether it’s cultures, or different activities, or different lifestyles, opinions, beliefs. Whatever it is, just getting here from my Freshman year to now, the different friends I’ve made in classes and activities has been impactful. And it’s surprising in a good way,” Owen expressed. “Some may think a big number of students may keep you from finding friends, but that’s not the case. It’s a big opportunity here at GISH – not a setback.”
We look forward to having Owen represent our students on the GIPS Board of Education!
