Whiz Kid: Haley Bucheleres Looks Back at Time on School Board

At a District 204 Board of Education meeting on May 16, board members praised Lyons Township High School senior Haley Bucheleres for her service to the board of education and her school. In particular, board members highlighted her dedication to the student body and for being straightforward and honest in discussions. La Grange Patch caught up with Haley to find out what it takes to be a student representative and what her plans are going forward.

La Grange Patch: How does one get selected to be student representative to the board of education?   

Haley Bucheleres: First you had to pick up an application. In the packet was a page for signatures which had to be from (I believe) 50 students, a few teachers and an assistant principal. Then you had to write a brief essay as to why you should be the one selected and what you would do with the position. After the application was turned in, you would be called down to be interviewed by the members of the administration. The interviews were all on the same day and we were told their decision by the end of the day.

Patch: Going into it, had you been to many board meetings? Were they what you expected?   

Bucheleres: I had been to a LaGrange Park village board meeting to accept an award before, but never to an LT board meeting. Once I was selected, I went to the last one that May. I honestly don't remember what I thought they would be like, but I remember sitting there thinking, 'oh my gosh, will I have to memorize everything regarding the budgets?' 

Patch: What made you decide to take on this role, and how do you feel having a student representative helps the overall student body?   

Bucheleres: My friend was turning in her application for student council president and I saw the application. After picking it up and reading about what the position was and what my responsibilities would be, I knew I was ready to apply and that I wanted this. Having a student [representative] helps the student body because it gives the students a chance to be sure that they are heard, and it gives the administrators the advantage of knowing what is really going on in the halls with students and how we are all doing. There are administrators, teachers and students in this school. We all play a role and everyone should have the chance to communicate with each other openly and honestly. 

Patch: At the last board meeting, several members of the board praised you for speaking your mind at meetings. What was your approach to the position and how did you use it to benefit LT students?   

Bucheleres: The [board members] are looking for honesty, and what is really going on with friends and classmates. There were many times that issues came up that pertained to students and how it would affect them in school (late arrivals, finals, exemptions). The board members usually had a good idea as to how they felt. They would express why they felt this way, and I would listen. When they asked my opinion, I would express it, and not only what I wanted or hoped for, but what the majority of students wanted. And because I listen and understood the board members positions on things, I hoped that they would, in turn, listen and consider what I had to say. The purpose of a student representative is to speak for the students at the board level. That is what I did.

Patch: Where are you headed off to next year and what will you study? Are you interested in working in government again, or do you think you would ever run for a board of education seat in the future?   

Bucheleres: I am going to the University of Missouri to study International Business and Management. I definitely want to look into student government while I am there. It has been such a positive experience for me and a great part of my senior year at LT.

Patch: Any particularly memorable experiences on the board?   

Bucheleres: Each meeting brought new topics, discussions and opportunities to address the board on behalf of the students for a particular topic. I can't think of any one meeting that stands out.    

Patch: Where would you like to see yourself in ten years?   

Bucheleres: I would like to be finished with graduate school, living on the West Coast, own my own company and utilize my International Business degree. 

Patch: Anything, or anyone else you'd like to add, share with us, or thank?   

Bucheleres: My senior year flew by, and having the opportunity to be on the board was fantastic. I have already met with the new student rep, Alivia, and I know that she will really enjoy this position and do very well.