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- Student Advisers to the Board
Student Advisers to the Board
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The Board of Education appoints a student to the Board to serve in an advisory capacity. In this role, the Student Advisor represents all public high school students in U-46, attends all Board of Education and Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council meetings, shares students’ opinions regarding specific Board of Education agendas, and informs the Student Advisory Council of Board of Education business. Click on the links in the sidebar to learn more about our Student Advisors to the Board.
Nearly 200 U-46 high school students attended the first U-46 Student Summit at Elgin Community College on February 13, 2017 at Elgin Community College. DREAM Academy, Bartlett, Elgin, Larkin, South Elgin and Streamwood high school students attended the event organized by 2016-17 Board of Education Student Advisor Eric Loera. Students discussed topics related to academics, extracurricular and school atmosphere.
Allison Holloway
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Larkin High School (LHS) graduate Allison Holloway served as the Student Advisor on the Board of Education during the 2015-16 school year, as well as represented her school on the CEO’s Student Advisory Council. Allison is working on her bachelor’s degree at Truman State University in Missouri where she is double majoring in sociology and vocal performance.
“The most satisfying part of being a Student Advisor was making a difference,” said Allison. “No comment is too small if it is helping make U-46 a better place for students.”
Starting off her college career, Allison became involved in Student Government and Hall Council, an organization of student leaders who make a difference within the residence halls. Allison plans on becoming more involved in campus life throughout her college journey.
Allison’s passion lies in two different directions - music and sociology. Her proudest accomplishment was getting accepted into the vocal academy at LHS. She later competed in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State Honors Choir. She is open to both pathways after college, depending on what doors of opportunity lie ahead.
In just one year at LHS, Allison became the president of the Student Government and the Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Music Honors Society. Once her presidential responsibilities were fulfilled, she moved on to serve as the Vice President of the National Honors Society and Treasurer of the Mathematics Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta.
Allison advises future Student Advisors to approach discussions with an open mind keeping all District schools in mind.
“District U-46 prepared me through their great teachers, directors and counselors,” Allison said. “They have supplied the right people at the right time for their students and seem tuned in to what their students need.”
Casey Pearce
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Casey Pearce was a senior at Bartlett High School in the Science, Engineering and High Technology Academy, and served on the Board for the 2017-2018 academic year. She served on the CEO Student Advisory Council and was a member of the National Honor Society and track team.
Casey also performs with the Schaumburg Youth Orchestra and Bartlett Orchestra.
Through various community volunteer work, Casey demonstrated a high level of maturity and responsibility to serve as the Board of Education Student Advisor.
Andrew Boston
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The first U-46 Board of Education (BOE) student advisor Andrew Boston graduated from South Elgin High School in 2010.
Andrew then earned his Bachelor's degree at Northwestern University and his Master’s Degree at the University of Colorado, majoring in chemical engineering at both institutions. Andrew continued his focus in the chemical industry as a consultant to a few companies and now works as a Safety Engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers in Chicago.
While at Northwestern, Andrew was involved in various leadership roles, such as being a college leader for the Students Today Leaders Forever Program, a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, and Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW). He continued his leadership role with the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY), a global community of volunteers dedicated to service and innovation.
Andrew served as the U-46 Board of Education (BOE) Student Advisor during the 2009-10 school year. Andrew learned about the importance of feedback in politics and how open meetings and public opinion may result in change to an organization's policies. He witnessed his high school grow from a new building with no traditions or school spirit into a full-fledged institution.
“The Board of Education gave me the confidence to believe that I could achieve anything I wanted to,” Andrew said. “As a student from a new high school who had only been involved on the District level for a year, it gave me an edge in professional settings which helped me become more relaxed in front of large crowds.”
Cesar Dimas
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Cesar Dimas, Larkin High School (LHS) Class of 2014 graduate, attends the University of Chicago where he is majoring in classical studies. Cesar served as the 2013-14 Student Advisor for the U-46 Board of Education learning how to encounter and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds.
“Being a Student Advisor helped me frame my perspective of education and what it means to be a student,” Cesar said. “I’ve taken the experience I had serving on the Board in all aspects when I’m participating in clubs or campus activities.”
At the University of Chicago, Cesar is involved in intramural sports, House Council and on-campus clubs. He is working on a large scale project for the upcoming Class of 2021 Freshman Orientation.
As a Larkin Royal, Cesar participated in various community service groups while serving as the President of the National Honors Society. One of his highest honors as a U-46 student, he said, was serving as the Board’s Student Advisor. He recommends incoming Student Advisors to take the role one day at a time and to be yourself.
“I’ve always been encouraged to reach higher and to rely on the people who've supported me,” Cesar said. “As a student representative, you want to communicate with others from all schools and from all walks of life. If at times it seems overwhelming, remember that you were chosen for a reason and that you don’t have to do it alone.”
After serving on the Board, Cesar was better prepared to manage and reach across various groups of people while attending college. He appreciates the Board’s support and is confident that he has people he can turn to at U-46.
Diana Castillo
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Diana Castillo attends Wellesley College in Massachusetts where she is double majoring in Spanish and sociology. At Wellesley, an all-women’s school, Diana feels empowered by the legacy of former female graduates, hoping to make her own impact on the world someday.
While at school Diana serves as a Resident Assistant (R.A.), a member of Mezcla, a Latinx organization on campus and as a student assistant for the Advisor to Latinx Students.
Upon graduating in May 2017, Diana aspires to find work that involves Spanish and working with others. She plans to participate in a fifth-year program at Wellesley to obtain a certification to teach Spanish at secondary schools.
For Diana, being Student Advisor to the Board during the 2012-13 school year showed her how influential the school board is and about the decisions they make to enforce policies that impact a large diverse group of students for years to come.
“Being the student advisor was a unique position, because the policies that were being passed were directly affecting me,” Diana said. “From this experience, I learned that to best serve, you must know the people you are serving.”
As a graduate of Larkin High School, Diana fondly recalls her involvement in student government. She credits Ms. Rees, a faculty advisor for student government, as one of the reasons she enjoyed the organization through participating in fundraisers that demanded creativity and dedication. Through Diana’s experience in student government and being a student athlete, she learned the importance of community, giving back and continuing traditions.
Diana’s message to future Board of Education Student Advisors is to work hard, get involved and not to limit yourself.
“Don’t be afraid to speak up,” Diana said. “You are the sole student voice on the Board and you, your friends and about 40,000 other students are the one that will be directly affected. No one else has your perspective; do not hesitate to share.”
Eric Loera
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Streamwood High School (SHS) senior Eric Loera served as the 2016-17 Student Advisor to the U-46 Board of Education. Eric provided a voice for his peers and encouraged community involvement through various extracurricular activities and leadership roles. He represented Latinos Unidos as President, National Honors Society Vice President, Vice Chair of the Youth at Hanover Township Committee and was Chair of the Principal’s Student Advisory Council.
“As a U-46 Student Advisor, I’ve had the privilege to meet and engage with the community,” Eric said. “I’m able to continue to develop an effective voice for students and work towards unifying the cultures of every school.”
Eric participated in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and promoted a college-bound environment. He aspires to be a local government official to focus on helping communities and providing services and programs to families and youth. Eric credits Ms. Maynard, AVID Coordinator at SHS, and Mr. Barone, AVID teacher, for taking him under their wing and believing in his potential.
“Without my experience at School District U-46, I would not be on the path to success,” Eric said. “It is my firm belief that I am a product of the opportunities that the District has created for its students.”
After graduating in May 2017, Eric went on to major in public administration and minor in political science in the Capital Scholars Honors Program at the University of Illinois at Springfield. Eric hopes the Board and future Student Advisors will continue to promote the best learning environment for their peers while demonstrating that U-46 is a welcoming place for any student to succeed.
Jacqueline Martinez
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Jacqueline Martinez, a DePaul University alumni and McNair Scholar, graduated in December 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics. Passionate about educational policy and equality, Jacqueline is a public servant within her community.
Jacqueline works alongside her sister on a non-profit organization, NetWings, which creates cross cultural experiences for youth to defy barriers of geography, language, culture and experience. Jacqueline was a featured speaker in Tedx, an independently organized TED event at DePaul University in which she discusses the program in her talk “In Cities I’d Never Lived.”
While a student at DePaul, Jacqueline served as the founder and chapter president of the Junior Achievement Organization, a volunteer group that teaches financial literacy to young students at Chicago Public Schools. She also was the DePaul University Senator of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, an opportunity that enabled Jacqueline to work with state representatives to share student views about educational legislation.
Jacqueline’s interest in educational policy stems from her realization of the unlimited opportunities that come with education. She credits her experience as the U-46 Student Advisor to the Board during the 2011-12 school year for giving her an opportunity to be exposed to a non-traditional learning environment.
“The U-46 Board of Education helped me navigate intangible skills,” Jacqueline said. “The support and mentorship provided me with a platform to share and communicate effectively.”
In addition to her role as Student Advisor, Jacqueline was a member of the World Languages and International Studies Academy and was involved in the Kiwanis Service Organization, National Honor Society, The American Cancer Society, and DECA Business Organization.
As a graduate of Streamwood High School and U-46, Jacqueline praises the uniquely diverse educational community that encouraged and supported her academic and personal success.
“Be proactive, be willing to learn, get uncomfortable, and have fun,” Jacqueline said. “It might seem daunting, but getting uncomfortable and learning to roll with the punches is an opportunity for growth and spontaneity.”
Megha Bhattacharya
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Elgin High School 2015 graduate Megha Bhattacharya is taking on a whole new level of leadership roles in her early professional life.
After attending Elgin High School, Megha went on to attend the University of Chicago, graduating with a honors degree in Political Science. During her time at UChicago, Megha was incredibly involved on campus through Student Government, Women in Public Service Projects, the South Asian Students Association, and Moneythink, a group dedicated to teaching financial literacy to high school students.During her time at school, Megha interned twice at the UChicago Institute of Politics, run by Former President Barack Obama’s Senior Advisor David Axelrod. She also interned for JB Pritzker’s Gubernatorial campaign and worked abroad in Vienna, Austria for the U.S. State Department - U.S. Mission to International Organizations, serving the United Nations and International Atomic Energy Agency.
Megha credits her 2014-15 role as the Board of Education's Student Advisor for inspiring much of her college work. Much of Megha’s success in college is attributed to the strong foundation she built in high school.
“I was very lucky to meet such a large cross sample of the District and create lasting relationships with them,” Megha said. “I received an insider view of the workings of a large conglomerate and it was such a fascinating and educational experience.”
During her years as a Maroon, Megha was involved in the Gifted and Talented Academy and helped create a middle school mentorship club to help young girls with their transition to high school.
“My experience with the Elgin Gifted and Talented Academy helped me meet some of the best educators in the District,” said Megha. “I am a firm believer that there is more to school than just an education.”
Since graduating from the University of Chicago, Megha has dived headfirst into the world of politics. Following her graduation from UChicago, she moved to Boston to work for Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign. Afterwards, she worked for the Democratic National Convention, helping run the first ever completely digital Democratic Convention. And most recently, Megha worked on the Biden-Harris presidential campaign.Megha currently works in the White House for the Second Gentleman of the United States.
Nasir Almasri
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In just four years, Nasir Almasri graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Peace and International Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Historical Studies. At SIUE, Nasir served as President of the Student Body, a distinguished position that demonstrated his dedication to education and his desire to be a leader among his peers.
Immediately upon earning his Bachelor’s degrees and participating in extracurricular activities, Nasir enrolled in graduate school at the University of Chicago where he’s working on his a Master's in International Relations. Nasir intends to pursue his Ph.D. in International Relations. He hopes to establish a career in foreign policy, policy research or teaching at the college level.
During his undergraduate career, Nasir was a member of the Chancellor’s University Policy and Budget Council and honor societies in Political Science and Historical Studies. He served as the President of the Muslim Student Association, President of the Students for Justice in Palestine, and Vice President of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
As a student at Bartlett High School, Nasir served as Student Advisor to the Board during the 2010-11 school year, when he learned about financial and operational agendas of the school district while gaining invaluable leadership experience that would drive his pursuit of a future in higher education.
“I have always highly valued education – not just my own but the education of all students,” Nasir said. “Being acknowledged by the Board and by students gave me a better understanding on how to represent those around me.”
For Nasir, being involved is an important aspect of one’s education. Nasir’s fondest memory at U-46 was walking across the stage at graduation.
“My best piece of advice to current and future U-46 students is to get involved in activities at school,” Nasir said. “Getting involved allows you to create connections and gives you a better reason to get up every morning.”

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Jackson Teetor
Jackson Teetor is a senior at Larkin High School in the Visual and Performing Arts Academy. Jackson is a member of the National Honor Society, Mathletes, and speech team. While on the speech team, Jackson demonstrated the ability to problem solve as a Fox Valley finalist in speech and debate, and he is looking to pursue a career as an attorney. He will serve as the 2018-2019 Student Advisor to the U-46 Board of Education.
Larkin principal Jamie Crosen said he was immediately impressed with Jackson’s passion for social justice. Crosen said Jackson “presented himself as an articulate young intellectual with an amazing historical background.”

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Hallie Furtak
Hallie Furtak served as the 2019-20 Student Advisor to the U-46 Board of Education. She is a Class of 2020 graduate of Streamwood High School.
Hallie, a Streamwood resident, attended U-46 schools from kindergarten through high school. Her position on the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council inspired her to pursue a career in political science.
Hallie also demonstrated her commitment to Streamwood by her involvement in the Class Council, volunteer work through AVID and National Honors Society, and helping teach figure skating classes at a local ice rink.
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Olivia Howell
Olivia is the 2020-21 Student Advisor to the U-46 Board of Education. She is scheduled to graduate with the Class of 2021 from South Elgin High School's Beacon Academy of Media and Digital Arts.
Olivia began her U-46 career when she moved to Elgin as a freshman. She is very passionate for South Elgin High School and School District U-46 for the countless opportunities this diverse district has to offer. She has donated many hours of her time giving back to the community by making commercials for Food for Greater Elgin, a local record store, and festivals. She volunteers for organizations including Job’s Daughters, The Wounded Warrior Project, H.I.K.E, Adopt-A-Platoon, National Suicide Prevention, The Larkin House, Anderson Animal Shelter, Change For Hunger, Feed My Starving Children and more.
Olivia has also served on the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, Principal’s Advisory Committee, SEHS student council, as a S.P.E.A.K. Mentor, Friday Lightning, and as a member of one of South Elgin’s largest clubs, Best Buddies, helping plan events for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities. She also plays golf for the District’s Upstate Eight Girls “U-Golf” team.

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Jessica Pearce
Jessica Pearce served as the 2021-22 Student Advisor to the U-46 Board of Education. She is a Class of 2022 graduate of Bartlett High School.
Jessica began her U-46 career when she attended kindergarten at Wayne Elementary School. As a motivated student with strong communication and organizational skills, Jessica was involved in the Bartlett High School Band as a Trumpet Section Leader who helped teach and lead other members in the band community. She was also the Vice President of the Academy Student Advisory Council and helped develop student-led academy programs and events for underclassmen.
In addition to her leadership abilities, Jessica demonstrated her commitment to Bartlett High School by her involvement in the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, Principal’s Advisory Board, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band and Pep Band. She is proud to be following in her sister, Casey’s footsteps, who was the 2017-18 Student Advisor to the Board of Education.

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Mahitha Ratakonda
Mahitha Ratakonda is a senior at Elgin High School. Mahitha serves as the 2024-25 Student Advisor for the U-46 Board of Education.

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Angelica Harris
Angelica Harris, who graduated from South Elgin High School in 2023, attended U-46 schools since starting kindergarten at Bartlett Elementary School. She served on the Principal’s Advisory Committee at SEHS and was the founder and president of its Environmental Club.
She was a peer tutor, supporting classmates in Spanish, algebra, biology, and chemistry, and was a member of the National Honors Society. She competed in the 3,000 meter racewalk and is a two-time national champion, with aspirations of competing in the Olympics in racewalking. Angelica served as the 2022-23 Student Advisor for the U-46 Board of Education.
Student Advisers
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Andrew Boston (2009-10)
Nasir Almasri (2010-11)
Jacqueline Martinez (2011-12)
Diana Castillo (2012-13)
Cesar Dimas (2013-14)
Megha Bhattacharya (2014-15)
Allison Holloway (2015-16)
Eric Loera (2016-17)
Casey Pearce (2017-18)
Jackson Teetor (2018-19)
Hallie Furtak (2019-20)
Olivia Howell (2020-21)
Jessica Pearce (2021-22)
Angelica Harris (2022-23)