Three Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) students took the Oath of Office as Student Board Members for the 2026-27 school year at the district's Board of Education meeting on Aug. 27.
Riverside STEM Academy's Leah Blanford and Seoyool Kim and Riverside Polytechnic High School's Kelsey Troast will each serve a designated term on the board, giving students a voice in discussions about school culture, student experiences and districtwide priorities.
The three will serve staggered terms throughout the year. Blanford serves first, from Aug. 27 through October. Troast follows from November through February, and Kim closes out the year from March through May.
"Our responsibility is not only to prepare students to lead in the future, but also to create opportunities for them to lead today," Superintendent Dr. Sonia Llamas said in a statement. "Leah, Kelsey, and Seoyool have stepped forward with courage, curiosity, and a commitment to serve their peers. Through this experience, they will strengthen their voices, deepen their understanding of public service, and see how thoughtful leadership can turn ideas into meaningful change. I am excited to support them, learn from them, and watch each of them continue to be extraordinary!"
Blanford, a senior, serves as vice president of Riverside STEM Academy's Associate Student Body and president of the Speech and Debate team. She also holds the presidency of Connecting Ambitious Kids To Engineering and Science, a school club known as CAKTES. Outside of school, she co-chairs Assisteens, a volunteer organization that provides food, clothing and other necessities to children in need. She plans to attend New York University and major in public policy.
Troast, also a senior, participates in Riverside Poly's Associated Student Body, Link Crew and National Honor Society programs. She has served as a Career Technical Education representative for the school's photography pathway and plays varsity tennis for the Bears. She volunteers with after-school programs, where she mentors younger students, and attends community events.
Kim, a junior, is president of her school's Asian Student Union and participates in Science Olympiad and theater, which she has done since fifth grade. She serves as head of the Environmental Committee on the Youth Advisory Council, reflecting her interest in environmental health. After graduation, she plans to study environmental chemistry at a four-year university.
"Giving students a seat at the table is one of the ways we ensure our schools continue to grow with the needs of our community," Board President Dr. Noemi Hernandez Alexander said in a statement. "We have seen so many extraordinary Student Trustees give of their time, effort, and passion through this role, and I have no doubt Leah, Seoyool, and Kelsey will leave their own legacy on our Board and throughout our district."
