Two local high school students have been chosen to represent their peers on the school board for the upcoming school year. The Upper Canada District School Board, which is headquartered in Brockville, announced on March 2, 2026, that Grade 10 students Ava Andress and Grant Emmell were elected as the new student trustees.
Ava Andress attends Thousand Islands Secondary School in Brockville, and Grant Emmell is a student at South Grenville District High School in Prescott. They were chosen by their fellow students during an annual election held by the Student Senate on February 26, 2026. The two students will begin their terms representing the district when the new school year starts in the fall.
These student trustees serve as a vital link between the student body and the people who make decisions at the district level. They provide a platform to voice the concerns and priorities of thousands of students across the region during board meetings. This ensures that student interests are considered during the planning of school programs and board policies.
The new trustees have identified several key areas where they plan to advocate for their peers, including the need for more mental health support. They also aim to focus on keeping extracurricular programs and after-school activities running for all students. Additionally, they will work to highlight the need for improvements to school buildings and facilities to ensure they meet the needs of everyone in the community.
