GISH Senior Katherin Xicara Ready to Advocate for Student Voices & Belonging as Board of Ed. Student Representative

GRAND ISLAND (Neb.) — Leadership comes in many forms.  For Katherin Xicara, she believes the positive impact of showing-up, leading by example, and representation.  Now, she has an opportunity to represent her school and classmates at the highest level in Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS).

Katherin, a Senior at Grand Island Senior High, was sworn-in to her role as the GIPS Board Student Representative at the September 11th Board of Education Meeting. The Student Board Representative is a position that is voted on by the incoming GISH Senior Class. 

“I’m really excited to serve and to get to know everyone in the district!”  Katherin said,  “Since I am a Newcomer and coming here to start brand new, it’s really nice to be able to find a community here.  I would like to inspire others to really find their community and find their place of belonging; to make everybody feel welcome here.”

Since 2007, the GIPS Board of Education has invited one Senior from GISH to occupy a seat at the table and engage in the process of making their school and district better. While the role does not carry voting agency, the student rep has ample opportunity to influence discussion, considerations, and impact opportunities for change.  

An active leader at Senior High, the role of Student Board Representative feels like a good fit for Xicara.  Throughout her time at GISH she serves on Student Council, National Honor Society, an officer for the Glamour Gals Club, SkillsUSA, and sits on the Superintendent Student Advisory Council.  And if that was not enough to fill her time, she’s also landed an Engineering internship with JEO as part of her experience in the GISH Academy of Engineering & Technology. 

But it is in the advocacy of student voices that draws Katherin to the opportunity to serve on the Board. 

“I believe amplifying student voices is really important because they are the ones that are immediately impacted by decisions that are made.”  Katherin continued, “And it’s really important for our schools and our district to hear what we’re (students) thinking.  So maybe some things that could be overlooked would be learned about by hearing our personal, first-hand experiences.”

For the 2025-26 school year, Katherin will attend each regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting and sit at the same rotunda as the elected Board Members.  As an active participant, she will have the opportunity to hear all public reports, presentations, and requests. She will also have opportunities to share her perspective, and present a monthly report on the latest updates, concerns, and ideas from Grand Island Senior High’s student body. 

“Katherin will do a great job as the student board representative.” Calvin Hubbard, GISH Principal, confirmed.  “She possesses strong leadership qualities of dedication and responsibility.  Katherin definitely understands the student body and will be committed to the work for all Islanders!”

Reflecting on the role, Katherin recognizes the exciting opportunity to not only serve her classmates and school but the whole district as a student advocate. 

“I’m really excited to serve as a role model for students — especially those who are Newcomers here.”  Katherin confirmed.  “I would really like all of them to feel welcome to the community, and not only welcome but part of our community.   As a Newcomer myself I struggled through this, but having people near me like teachers and friends around me really helped me.  I truly feel like an Islander now!” 

We look forward to having Katherin represent our students on the GIPS Board of Education!