Olivia Nesgoda
Olivia Nesgoda, a junior at Cook County High school, was introduced last Thursday, January 7, at the inaugural school board meeting for 2021. Olivia is the second student representative since this program has started and will remain onboard for the 2021 calendar year. When asked why she became interested in this position, she explained, “I am really interested in advocacy and creating a community that allows for everyone to feel safe and heard. My main goal is to help my peers navigate the downsides of distance learning, specifically mental health and physical activity.”
While not a voting member of the board, Olivia, age 17, will be a voice for the students and will act as the student liaison between her peers and the school community at large. Acting Superintendent and Principal Megan Myers regarded Ms. Nesgoda as, “A charismatic, happy, positive advocate for her peers and for doing the right thing.” Myers further expressed to all attendees on the zoom meeting, “I have a lot of respect for her as a student.” Throughout her high school career, Olivia has participated in Knowledge Bowl, Robotics, Youth in Government, Cross Country, and Track. Ms. Nesgoda was also in the student council when students were actively going to school. In looking towards the future, Olivia stated, “My dream job is to be a domestic violence attorney and advocate. I also plan on participating in the Peace Corps before or after I get my bachelor degree.”
Olivia applied for her current position and went through an interview process. Her responsibilities will include reading a student report each month for the school board. When asked about her free time, Olivia explained that she enjoys, “reading, writing, and working out. I also love to swim and sail.” Olivia has 7 siblings and calls her mom her role model. She expressed her admiration for her and elaborated, “I have watched her as she balanced three jobs and a family of five. Overall, she is an incredibly hard-working person that has instilled a good work ethic and the importance of responsibility in me. She has also always taught me to never quit something I have started and that I have to stick to my word.”
Congratulations to Olivia, as well as Cook County and the ISD 166 school district on a fine, deserving choice for student representative. Olivia embodies all the exemplary traits necessary during these unprecedented times when education has become a day-by-day creative effort and process for all involved.
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