The Alhambra Unified School District welcomed its second-ever Student Board Member (SBM) on August 27 when Alhambra High School junior Keiko Rakin was officially sworn in at the beginning of the Board of Education Meeting. In her new role, Keiko leads the District’s Student Advisory Council (SAC) as chairperson, representing the voices of nearly 15,000 students across AUSD. Joining Keiko in a new leadership role for her is Mark Keppel High School senior Madison Kang. Madison was sworn in as the SBM Alternate and serves as SAC’s vice-chairperson.
After being sworn in, Keiko expressed her gratitude to her family and friends for their continuing support and to AUSD for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. “I could not imagine myself here if I look back a year ago,” reflected Keiko. “I’m so excited to work with SAC this year and I know we’ll accomplish great things. I promise to make a safe space for everyone to share their voice.”
Board President Bob Gin congratulated Keiko and Madison on behalf of the Board of Education and shared his intention to have Keiko and Madison each experience leading a Board Meeting before their term is up to encourage them to continue their civic engagement. He also reflected on last year’s SAC and expressed his excitement to continue the positive work they started.
In addition to her SBM duties, Keiko is an active student leader at AHS, serving as president of the Creative Writers Crew and the library service club, as well as the vice president of the Film Study and Production Club. She is also captain of the cross country team and is a member of the speech and debate team. Keiko’s dedication extends beyond her school campus. In the community, she has been a junior intern with the USC Shoah Foundation and is a graduate of Assemblymember Mike Fong’s Young Leaders Program.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the Board held a reception to celebrate Keiko, Madison, and the rest of SAC. Afterward, Keiko took her place on the dais for the remainder of the Board Meeting, where she listened intently and asked insightful questions as staff reports were presented to the Board. AUSD is thrilled to congratulate Keiko Rakin and Madison Kang and is excited to see them grow in their new leadership positions. We know they will make positive impacts on the District this year through their dedication, involvement, and leadership.
