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Introducing the 2023-24 Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee
Plano ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Theresa Williams seeks advice from many school and community groups, including students. Read more below about each of the 2023-24 student advisory committee members' leadership activities, community service, favorite subjects and hobbies.
Standing: Ava Schelin, Miguel Arias, Levi Ireri, Wesley Derden, Evelyn Powell, Sasha Roberson, Matthew Moore, Yash Kulkarni
Seated: Arianna Kaheh, Reese Johnson, Frank Matheus, Dr. Theresa Williams, Nawal Sidiqqui, Shreya Gudibande, Nevaeh Jones
Senior Committee Members
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Nawal Siddiqui • Academy High School
Nawal Siddiqui • Senior • Academy High School
Extra-curricular activities:
- Nawal's leadership extends to roles as President of the Investment Club, Manager of the Titan Ambassadors Committee, and a dedicated member of the Mock Trial team. She has also initiated the Girls Who Code Club and boasts four years of participation in the Robotics Team.
Community service:
- As President of the National Honor Society (NHS), Nawal effectively leads and engages in community service. She volunteers at a local mosque, supports robotics competitions, and tutors fellow students. Her commitment extends to other areas related to her interests, making a meaningful impact on others' lives.
Favorite subject or teacher:
- In Math, she enjoys building new concepts on top of what she has learned in previous years. She likes problem-solving and figuring out a complex problem and finds it rewarding.
Hobbies or other interests:
- Nawal enjoys rollerblading, reading, Lego building, baking, traveling, and walking with her family.
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Levi Ireri • Plano East
Levi Ireri • Senior • Plano East Senior High School
Extra-curricular activities:
- Levi's passion for creativity and technology shines through his involvement in a range of activities. He is a skilled game designer, a talented writer, a member of the orchestra, a graphic designer, and a proficient programmer. Levi's keen eye for photography adds another layer to his creative repertoire, highlighting his ability to capture moments with precision and artistry.
Community service:
- Levi manages online tournaments and events for fighting games within his community as well as contributes to youth development at his church.
Favorite subject or teacher:
- His favorite subjects include World Area Studies with Mrs. Fischer, History of the Americas with Mr. Sklar and English with Mrs. Ruzycki.
Hobbies or other interests:
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In his leisure time, Levi explores the world of knowledge through reading, appreciates long YouTube videos for their depth of content, immerses himself in the world of video games, and enjoys cycling.
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Sasha Roberson • Plano East
Sasha Roberson • Senior • Plano East Senior High School
Extra-curricular activities:
- Sasha is a proud student of the Plano ISD Health Sciences Academy. Her active involvement in HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) and NHS (National Honor Society) further underscores her dedication to being an outstanding future medical practioner. She also serves as the Public Relations Officer for the Black Student Union (BSU), where she combines leadership and advocacy for a diverse and inclusive community.
Community service:
- Sasha's dedication to community service shines through her volunteer work at Grace Revolution Church, where she cares for pre-K children. Her involvement in NHS provides numerous opportunities for giving back, and her participation in Girl Scouts and Feed My Starving Children sessions further showcase her commitment to helping others in various ways.
Favorite subject or teacher:
- Sasha's deep-seated passion for medicine is evident in her love for the Health Sciences Academy (HSA). She appreciates the opportunities provided by HSA to earn medical certifications and is currently working towards her Phlebotomy certificate. Additionally, Sasha holds her AB Calculus teacher, Wesley Tyree, in high regard. His teaching style and enthusiasm for the subject have made learning both enjoyable and engaging for her.
Hobbies, jobs and interests:
- Beyond her academic and community involvement, Sasha has a profound love for photography. Her approach to photography is both artistic and meaningful, as she seeks to highlight the intricacy and beauty in everyday objects that society might overlook. Her goal as a photographer is to offer people a fresh perspective on the simple things in life, making her a storyteller through her lens.
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Shreya Gudibande • Plano
Shreya Gudibande • Senior • Plano Senior High School
Extra-curricular activities:
- Shreya is the Director of International Affairs for STEMpower.!, a tutoring program that not only fosters education but donates all its profits to charity. She tirelessly persuades the executive team to offer free online tutoring to underprivileged students globally, exemplifying her commitment to educational equity. As the President of the Global Society of Student Artists, she orchestrates fundraising concerts for humanitarian causes.
Community service:
- She has volunteered nearly 50 hours at Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), where she actively contributes to packing food for children in disaster zones. Her hands-on approach to service reflects her belief in physical involvement to support underprivileged children.
Favorite subject or teacher:
- Shreya's passion for learning is evident through her favorite subjects: Statistics and Economics. She revels in the logical and real-life applications behind various mathematical concepts. Her dream of studying law and her intention to double major in Political Science and International Relations for her undergraduate studies showcase her commitment to the field. Her ultimate aspiration is to open both a for-profit and a nonprofit law firm, allowing her to shape her life while dedicating herself to helping others.
Hobbies or other interests:
- Shreya is an adventurous spirit who enjoys exploring nature and engaging in sports like waveboarding, hoverboarding, and rollerblading. Her musical talents are equally impressive, as she is a trained Carnatic singer and violinist, having earned the esteemed title of All State Musician by the Texas Federation of Music Clubs. In her leisure time, she delights in cooking and dancing to Bollywood songs, adding a creative and cultural dimension to her pursuits.
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Matthew Moore • Plano
Matthew Moore • Senior • Plano Senior High School
Extra-curricular activities:- Matthew is a dedicated manager for the Planoettes, a role that showcases his leadership and organizational skills. His co-presidency of the Environmental Club reflects his commitment to environmental awareness. He's also an active member of NHS and the Fashion Club, demonstrating his diverse interests. He is also a part of the NTPA Starcatchers program, a therapeutic theater program for children and adults with a variety of developmental, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities.
Community service:
- He participates in Drum-a-thon, raising awareness of Breast Cancer. Additionally, he contributes to environmental cleanups across Plano, displaying his concern for the well-being of the community and the planet.
Favorite subject or teacher:
- Matthew's favorite instructors, Mrs. Walraven and Ms. Dougherty, play a pivotal role in his academic journey.
Hobbies or other interests:
- Matthew's love for interior design underscores his artistic and creative side. When taking a break, he enjoys binge-watching TV shows.
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Miguel Arias • Plano West
Miguel Arias • Senior • Plano West Senior High School
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Reese Johnson • Plano West
Reese Johnson • Senior • Plano West Senior High School
Extra-curricular activities:- Reese's dedication to the world of music is exemplified by her role as the President of the Plano West choir and participation in the syncopation choir, a pop music group. Her involvement in Student Congress as the Vice President highlights her leadership and commitment to student governance.
Community service:
- Reese's passion for giving back is reflected in her volunteer work at the Storehouse of Collin County and her assistance to younger choir students in middle schools.
Favorite subject or teacher:
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Reese's love for music is evident in her favorite subject, choir. She holds Mrs. Council, her teacher, in high regard, and considers her the best teacher she knows.
Hobbies or other interests:
- Reese's interests extend beyond the classroom and the stage. She finds joy in volunteering at church and cherishing quality time with her family.
Junior Committee Members
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Frank Matheus • Academy High School
Frank Matheus • Junior • Academy High School
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Evelyn Powell • Plano East
Evelyn Powell • Junior • Plano East Senior High School
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Wesley Derden • Plano East
Wesley Derden • Junior • Plano East Senior High School
Extra-curricular activities:
- Wesley's dedication to music shines through his membership in the Plano East Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble. His musical talents not only demonstrate his artistic prowess but also his commitment to excellence. In addition to his musical endeavors, Wesley enjoys playing sports with friends, showcasing his love for both teamwork and physical activity.
Community service:
- He actively contributes to his church and various food pantries, displaying a deep sense of compassion and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate.
Favorite subject or teacher:
- Science
Hobbies, jobs and interests:
- When not engaged in music, schoolwork or community service, Wesley finds joy in playing basketball with friends.
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Nevaeh Jones • Plano
Nevaeh Jones • Junior • Plano Senior High School
Extra-curricular activities:
- Nevaeh serves as a Lieutenant on the Plano Senior Planoettes, showcasing her dedication to the art of dance and her leadership skills. Her participation in the Plano Senior AVID program and membership in the Plano Senior National Honor Society reflect her academic prowess. Additionally, her role on the Principal Advisory Council highlights her commitment to school and community improvement.
Community service:
- Nevaeh has volunteered at several organizations, including Feed My Starving Children, the North Texas Food Bank, Junior Achievement High School, Plano's Outreach Program, Drumathon - Breast Cancer Can Stick It, "Lights on the Farm," and St. Marks the Evangelical Catholic Church.
Favorite subject or teacher:
- Mrs. Walraven and Ms. Dougherty have left a significant impact on her academic journey.
Hobbies, jobs and interests:
- In her free time, Nevaeh indulges in her passion for dance and enjoys reading. Her love for movies and music adds an artistic and cultural dimension to her interests.
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Yash Kulkarni • Plano
Yash Kulkarni • Junior • Plano Senior High School
Extra-curricular activities:
- Yash's commitment to music is evident through his participation in the orchestra. He also dedicates himself to the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), reflecting his interest in leadership, discipline, and service.
Community service:
- Yash contributes to his community through the Volunteers in Plano (VIP) program. His involvement in community service demonstrates his desire to give back and make a positive impact on the lives of those around him.
Favorite subject or teacher:
- Yash has a passion for mathematics, while his favorite teacher is his JROTC instructor, Major McGruder.
Hobbies, jobs and interests:
- Outside of the classroom, Yash plays the guitar and violin. His aspiration to attend West Point, the US Military Academy, showcases his dedication to a future in service to his country. Yash's keen interest in history further complements his goal.
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Ava Schelin • Plano West
Ava Schelin • Junior • Plano West Senior High School
Extra-curricular activities:
- Ava is engaged in Plano West Student Congress, showcasing her dedication to student governance and leadership. Her participation in the Wolfact Theatre Company and the International Thespian Society Troupe 6101 highlights her remarkable talents in the world of theater. Additionally, her membership in the National Honor Society and North Texas Performing Arts underscores her well-rounded interests.
Community service:
- She actively contributes to organizations like the National Charity League, where Rainbow Days holds a special place in her heart. She also dedicates her support to Community Partners of Dallas THANKs (Teens Helping Abused and Neglected Kids) and the Attorneys Serving the Community Annual Heart & Sole 5k & Fun Run, benefiting Crossroads Community Services.
Favorite subject or teacher:
- Ava has a deep affection for STUCO, theater, and all things science.
Hobbies, jobs and interests:
- She loves performing on stage, helping others, traveling with family and all things Disney.
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Arianna Kaheh • Plano West
Arianna Kaheh • Junior • Plano West Senior High School
Extra-curricular activities:
- Arianna's leadership skills shine through her involvement in the Plano West Student Council. She's also active in various clubs, including the French National Honor Society.
Community service:
- She volunteers at local family picnics, showcasing her dedication to bringing joy to her community. Her participation in events like The Heart Walk and NEDA demonstrates her passion for supporting causes that improve the lives of others.
Favorite subject or teacher:
- Arianna's favorite subjects are Math and History. Her favorite teacher was her Algebra 2 Honors teacher, Grady Griffin.
Hobbies, jobs and interests:
- In her free time, Arianna has a passion for baking. She enjoys creating treats that her friends and family can enjoy. Her specialties are cheesecake and brownies.