There were so many qualified candidates for the student representative seat on the Board of Education, the Fredonia Central Schools chose two students to have a seat at the table.

Neshwan Arif and Katherine Fortna were selected as the student representatives for the 2025-26 school year. The district had an application process, followed by interviews, then a meeting to discuss which candidates would best fit the role.

“The interviews were unbelievable,” Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said. “If anybody has lost faith in public education, we should have videotaped these interviews, because that would not be an issue after listening to our students speak.” Zilliox said the interviews put any concerns to rest about the quality of education at Fredonia.

Fortna, the daughter of Board of Education Vice President Lisa Powell Fortna, was in attendance at the most recent Board of Education meeting. Arif was absent from the meeting because he was busy competing in a varsity boys soccer game.

Fredonia’s first student representative was Lacey Drennen in 2023-2024. Fredonia had two student representatives last year on the Board — Anne Creeley was the primary representative and Sam Garaas-Johnson was named as an alternate, a decision made to ensure a representative would be present while not discouraging participation in extracurricular activities.

This year, Fortna and Arif are co-representatives, sharing the duties and allowing both to have a seat at the table whenever their schedules allow for it.

Three minutes into the latest Board meeting, President Steve Johnston welcomed Fortna and Arif to the Board. Fortna took her seat at the table and participated in the recent meeting. She thanked the Board for the opportunity and said she is “truly grateful to be sitting here today.”

Fortna described all of the activities she participates in at Fredonia, including the roles of Senior Class President; Interact Club Co-President; and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Spectator, the district’s award-winning student newspaper. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Big Buddies, and Tri-M, while participating in school musicals. Fortna is a multi-sport varsity athlete in golf and volleyball, where she won a Sectional Championship last fall.

Arif is the Vice President for Fredonia’s Student Council, as well as President of the National Honor Society and Treasurer of the Interact Club. Additionally, Arif is a midfielder on the varsity boys soccer team and a member of Fredonia’s Ski Club. Like Fortna, Arif is also involved with the Spectator as an editor.

“As someone who plays a significant role at within our school’s student leadership already, this opportunity on the Board of Education is a logical step up,” Arif said during the interview process. He said he wants to represent the voice of the school and advocate for student needs “that oftentimes are overseen by adults due to a lack of perspective.”

During the interview, students were asked about a learning experience at Fredonia that has impacted them. Fortna spoke to the impact she has felt from being a member of the Unified Sports Club, which provides students with disabilities an opportunity to compete alongside their peers in a setting that promotes inclusion. Fortna and Arif are both members of the Unified Club.

Fortna said that participating in the Unified Club has shown her the impact that inclusion has on the school as a whole. She said, “Seeing all the students coming together, the teachers coming together, the community coming together and making this positive change has really been a learning experience for me, seeing what good can come from everyone working together.”

Arif described how he adjusted to the Fredonia Central School District as a new student at the beginning of last school year. Arif moved to Fredonia from Mobile, Alabama prior to his junior year. He described the move as “arguably the most difficult time” in his life. As he was adjusting to his new surroundings, Arif learned more about who he was as a person. He learned that “resilience is important”, and he managed to make a strong fresh start through all the changes he faced.

Students were also asked what skills they bring to the role of student representative. Fortna described herself as outgoing, and stated she “can talk all day long to just about anybody.”

Through her involvement with so many clubs and activities, Fortna believes she can provide the Board with the perspective of many different students from across the district. “That’s really beneficial as a member here because, while I’m sitting here and it’s my voice, it’s really the opinions and what is most meaningful to the entire student body,” Fortna said.

Arif also highlighted his communication skills, stating that he does not have any social anxiety and he is able to express himself in a respectful manner. He also believes that he shows compassion and is able to articulate how others feel.

The student representatives will be mentored by Sheila Hahn, one of the area’s most highly regarded Board members. Hahn was recently selected to the Chautauqua County School Boards Association as a member of the Executive Committee. She also received a certificate of recognition from the New York State School Boards Association a year ago.

As one of the Board’s most outspoken members, Hahn is fearless when it comes to letting her voice be heard. Her example will be valuable for the students to emulate as they lean in on their already strong communication skills and seek to harness their abilities even further to share the concerns and opinions of students with the Board.

“I’m excited about it. I think all of the Board members, as well as the administration, are looking forward to hearing more about the student experience and opinions,” Hahn said. “Let’s face it, that’s why we’re all here – that’s our reason to serve. We look forward to delivering a better experience.”