JACKSON – Each May, the two pupils serving as student representatives give their final report at the Board of Education meeting, and their replacements in September are named shortly afterward.
Student representatives from the Jackson Liberty High School and Jackson Memorial High School provide a synopsis of what their respective schools are doing in terms of athletics, extracurricular activities, and academics.
Superintendent Nicole Pormilli has often said that listening to the student representative reports each month is her favorite part of Board meetings. The representatives provide positive news about student learning and activities before the nitty gritty of Board business is discussed.
Jackson Memorial High School representative Jimil Elbayer told The Jackson Times what it was like serving in this role and what his last year in high school was like.
“It was an amazing feeling, and I was able to see more of how events were run, and how much time and effort are really put into these events. After every report I was able to write about more activities that I would have never looked at before,” he said.
When asked about his senior year and the memories of it that he would cherish, he replied, “my last year at Jackson Memorial felt very short. I feel that the big memories that will be talked about will be the big games, matches, and overall energy our senior class gave off.”
His future goals include serving in the Marine Corps, attending The College of New Jersey, and joining the New Jersey State Police.
As to how the school district’s financial crisis has impacted students and their views about it Elbayer said, “I grew up in Jackson and always dreamed of when it will be my turn to walk the halls of Jackson Memorial. I was always excited with the numerous sports and activities that were given, and the opportunities they brought with them.”
He added, “even my four years walking in these halls I always enjoyed listening to the announcements and hearing how each activity is thriving. I fear that if this budget crisis does not get solved, the future Jags will not have these feelings, and will never get the real high school experience.”
“This is not to mention the opportunities that will be stripped away from future students, and possibly affect their futures,” the student added.
As to this year’s presidential election, “there has been talk about the presidential election, however majority of the class is in a state of minding themselves and staying out of politics. I feel that every vote counts, and voting is something we should be grateful for.”
Elbayer was Student Council President, a varsity wrestler, Air Force JROTC cadet, and managed a couple of sports. “I will miss the friendships and bonds that were created the most. Everyone will split ways and enter the next chapters of their lives, and that means we will no longer see each other every day, or share memories, or create fun experiences.”
“I will miss the camaraderie between my team and coaches, knowing that we had each other’s backs and would never quit,” he added.
Jose Lainez Martinez of Jackson Liberty High School said, “being the student representative of my school was an honor because I was speaking on behalf of my school and every time I went to the Board of Education meetings, it was a pleasure to be there.”
“I managed to write all the reports for the meetings and worked hard on them by talking about every fun and memorable event we had throughout the years. For me, it was easy to write the reports because I participated in many activities and clubs at my school,” he added.
The student said he would forever be grateful for this opportunity. “Thank you to the Jackson Liberty High School staff and Mrs. Borrelli for trusting me with this opportunity.”
Martinez said, “I will never forget my last year of high school – from the football games, homecoming, pep rallies, sports, conferences, and prom. I had a lovely time with my friends at every single one of these. I think prom and all the field trips I went on with my friends are the ones that are going to have long-lasting impacts when we attend high school reunions in the future.”
In speaking about his future plans, “I committed recently to Nova Southeastern University and I plan on going there and majoring in accounting. I hope that I get an internship with an accounting firm before graduating college. After that, I want to join the workforce as an officer to follow my father’s footsteps.”
“What I know about the financial situation the Jackson District is facing is that the New Jersey Department of Education has informed our Board of Education that they are not allowed to borrow the funds – they need to balance the budget for the next school year. This could have a detrimental impact effect on the Jackson School District such as closing schools, reducing class sizes and elective courses, no sports, no academies, no busing, no AP courses, and much more.”
As to Election Day, “there has been a little discussion about next year’s presidential election year with my peers. We are encouraging each other that we have to exercise our voting rights and vote for what we think is the best choice for the country because we are the future and if we stay silent then repercussions will take place in a long-term matter.”
Martinez was involved in several organizations, sports, and clubs such as the American Legion Jersey Boys State Delegate, FBLA, Key Club, National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, Business Honor Society, Student Government, PALs, Nations Among Nations, Chess Club, Lion’s Youth Coalition Group, Art Club, AFJROTC, Yearbook, Soccer, and Lacrosse.
“I am the Chief Communications Officer for the Interact Club and Literary Magazine, the Treasurer for NHS, and the Operations Squadron commander for the AFJROTC Unit 782nd. Outside of Jackson Liberty, I have participated in multiple community service events such as the Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep in Belmar, Jackson Township Clean Communities, The Jackson Special Citizens Picnic and Fishing Derby, S.A.I.L. Program at the Jackson Ocean County Library, Jackson Township Commission for the Disabled/Handicapped Challenger Basketball Program, and the Jackson Township Senior Center Santa’s Workshop event.”
