Pikesville High School junior Josie Shaffer has a mission: she wants to make sure that the concerns of Baltimore County Public Schools students are heard loud and clear. The 17-year-old will have the opportunity to make that happen now that she’s been elected student member of the Board of Education of Baltimore County by a jury of her peers. This is the second year in a row that county students were given the responsibility of selecting their own board representative. Jmore recently spoke with Josie about her leadership experience, plans for her board term and beyond.
1 How did you come to be nominated?
I’ve been very active in student government. I planned a [PHS] teachers versus [State Sen.] Bobby Zirkin [and friends] basketball game and the homecoming pep rally in the fall. I’m also a member of BBYO and in Model U.N.
2 When did you learn you were nominated?
The adviser for student government recommended me. I had a couple of days to think about it because it’s a lot of responsibility and a major time commitment. When I thought about the idea of representing 112,000 students, it was really exciting and I decided I wanted to do it.
3 What did the process entail?
I wrote an essay about why I wanted to be [student member of the board], and I needed five letters of recommendations. I was one of 20 people who made it through the first phase and then I became one of six kids who moved on to the interview. After that, it was down to two people, me and a boy from Parkville High School, Drew Perkoski. There was a sort of town meeting, where student leaders from across the county came and we had to give speeches and answer their questions. I got the call later that day.
4 What are you hoping to accomplish?
I really want to be a voice for students. Many of them are worried about changing grade policies, and sometimes the board makes decisions without including students. I want to empower them and encourage them to be leaders in their communities.
5 What are your plans post-graduation?
I want to major in politics. I like the idea of everyone having a voice. In the fall, I worked as an intern for the Clinton campaign. Now, I’m interning for Del. Shelly Hettleman [D-11th]. I don’t know where I’m going to college yet, but I’m going to be touring [George Washington University] soon.
Top photo: In March, Josie Shaffer received the call that she was elected student member of the Board of Education of Baltimore County. (Courtesy photo)
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