Orleans/Niagara BOCES to include students on the Board of Education

Pictured from left include Gianna Rowles of Newfane, Madilynn Warren of Wilson, Emiliana Batista of Medina and Derek Hendler of North Tonawanda.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – The Orleans/Niagara BOCES Board of Education and District Superintendent/Chief Executive Officer Dr. Taweepon Farrar are proud to welcome four high school students to join its official policy-making body.

Two of the students, Derek Hendler (North Tonawanda) and Gianna Rowles (Newfane) will act as primary non-voting ex-officio trustees of the Board of Education, while Madilynn Warren (Wilson) and Emiliana Batista (Medina) have been named alternatives.

“Our BOCES is required to have two ex-officio student members because we have 13 component districts in our region,” explains Dr. Taweepon Farrar. “We are thrilled to welcome the students to the Board table. Student voices matters, and this opportunity provides an important bridge between our leadership and the learners we serve.  We look forward to the students’ contributions throughout the coming year and thank them for stepping into this leadership role.”

Hendler is a student in the HVAC program at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center.  He says he has a passion of working with his hands and learning and enjoys his role as a SkillsUSA officer and the President of the local chapter.  “These experiences have helped me to grow as a leader and taught me the importance of teamwork, responsibility and community service.”

Rowles is in the Cosmetology program at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center and is the Vice President of the SkillsUSA Area 1 chapter.  She has an innate desire to become a leader in the field of cosmetology, where she plans to innovate and push the boundaries of this trade.  She would love to own a successful business someday or possibly teach.

Warren is enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center and has a goal to be a teacher. Madi enjoys interacting with people and would love to work at a daycare while working towards a Bachelor’s Degree.

Batista is in the Allied Health program at Medina Memorial Hospital and plans on pursuing a degree in General Health Studies with the goal of specializing in radiological technology.  She is the Secretary of the SkillsUSA chapter and recently competed as a member of the Health Knowledge Bowl.

The historic moment for Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ is thanks to a new state law that mandates all school districts, as well as Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), appoint at least one ex-officio, non-voting student member to their boards of education beginning July 1st.

This legislation aims to empower students and to provide them with a platform to engage in educational policy discussions and to foster civic engagement among youth.

The law was sponsored by State Senator Shelley B. Mayer and Assembly Member Carrie Woerner and was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in September 2024.  The students serving on the Orleans/Niagara BOCES Board of Education have attended high school within their home district for at least one year prior to their term and are currently participating in one of the BOCES’ programs.

The students’ role will be to advocate for all students enrolled in a BOCES program, gain leadership experience, and collaborate with the Board by sharing their perspectives and experiences as the Orleans/Niagara BOCES continues to chart its course for the future of the students and community it serves.