SUDBURY—Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) student Alexandra Wilson-Zegil and Tia Nootchtai of Lockerby Composite School in Sudbury have both been appointed as student trustees of the Rainbow District School Board (RDSB) for the 2024-2025 school year.
“We are very honoured to have our two student trustees here tonight,” said David Farrow, chair of the RDSB board at a meeting last week. The board trustees unanimously voted in favour of appointing the two new trustees on a motion put forward by trustees Bob Clement and Judy Hunda. “On behalf of the board of trustees, I extend a warm welcome to Tai Nootchtai and Alexandra Wilson-Zegil. They will have an opportunity to experience the decision-making process and learn more about public education locally and provincially. More importantly, they will represent the student voice at the board table and contribute to our collective focus on student achievement and well-being.”
Ms. Wilson-Zegil and Ms. Nootchtai then took and read the RDSB declaration of office and oath of allegiance.
Bruce Bourget, RDSB director of education said, “I would like to extend a warm welcome to both trustees, Tia Nootchtai and Alexandra Wilson-Zegil. They are both very humble, but we have to brag about their accomplishments a little bit,” he said, reading their biographies.
“Alexandra Wilson-Zegil will play a provincial role as well this year. She has been selected as the Northern Schools Regional Representative for the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association. This role includes being a liaison between students in the North as well as planning a conference.”
“A proud Haweater, Alexandra has been involved in many extra-curricular activities at Manitoulin Secondary School,” said Mr. Bourget. “She is captain of the robotics team, has taken on leadership roles in the Student Council and SHARE/Go Green, and writes a weekly column about school events in The Manitoulin Expositor.”
“Enrolled in the school’s Specialist High Skills Major in Arts and Culture, she also authored a children’s book, ‘Robofriends and the Mowzone,’ that promotes robotics and environmental sustainability. A second book is in the works. This summer, she attended the prestigious SHAD Canada program,” said Mr. Bourget.
“Alexandra plans to continue her school involvement in Grade 12 as she assumes her second year on the (RDSB) Student Senate,” continued Mr. Bourget. “She is also involved in community clean-ups, book drives, dances and hockey. She has been playing hockey for the Gore Bay Bruins since she was four years old.”
Tia Nootchtai will also serve as Chair of the Indigenous Student Trustees’ Council in Ontario, said Mr. Bourget. “Made up of Indigenous student trustees from across Ontario, the Council seeks to support indigenous Student Trustees while incorporating Indigenous voices in the work of the organization. As well, it aims to educate student trustees surrounding the topics of indigenous lived experiences, ways of knowing, and education.”
“Tia Nootchtai, who lives on the traditional territory of Atikameksheng Anishinawbek, is enrolled in the Science Technology Education program (STEP) at Lockerby Composite School,” continued Mr. Bourget. “When she enters Grade 12 this fall, she will continue to contribute to the student council, which she co-chaired last year, the athletic association and the planning committee. She will also remain a prominent ally with the schools Gay Straight Alliance.”
Mr. Bourget noted Ms. Nootchtai, “has been involved in a number of sports, including cross-country running, track and field, badminton and volleyball. She served on the (RDSB) student senate last year as Lockerby’s Indigenous student senator. A former Miss Teen Greater Sudbury and Miss Ontario Regional Canada, she has hosted multiple confidence and leadership building workshops for girls across Ontario.”
The two students will co-chair the student senate which includes representatives from the board’s secondary schools in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin Island.
“I would like to extend a warm thank you to everyone here. I am so happy to be part of this school board organization,” said Ms. Nootchtai. “School involvement is so important because it allows students to be part of a community. Being involved in your school community creates relationships among peers and develop life skills. Education is what empowers the next generation of leaders. Student voice, therefore, is the voice of the future.”
Ms. Wilson-Zegil said, “I am very excited to be here and am looking forward to working with the members of the board and the students who we serve.” She said in a release, “Involvement in school and school life enriches the student experience and provides a broader platform for learning. Joining extracurriculars, exploring new concepts in class, and actively developing learning strategies have kept me invested in my education and motivated me to make a difference. Being engaged in teams teaches students invaluable transferable skills like teamwork, commitment and responsibility.”
RDSB trustee Judy Hunda said, “congratulations to both of our student trustees. I am excited to be working with both of you as we worked together on student senate last year. I know both of you will be terrific additions to the board.”
