River Hill HS Student Elected as 2025-2026 Student Member of the Board

May 14th, 2025

Erin Alistar of River Hill High School has been elected Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) for the 2025-2026 school year. The election, open to all middle and high school students, was conducted by the Howard County Association of Student Councils (HCASC) on April 30.

Alistar focused on several issues in his campaign, including reviewing the Board of Education cell phone policy to provide for more exceptions, renovating older buildings, and reevaluating how midterms and finals are handled.

In reflecting on his campaign and election victory, Alistar expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as SMOB as well as for the support he received from his campaign team, parents, educators and friends who advised him. Alistar added, “This next year will be difficult. Facing large budget cuts and redistricting, I will need the support and direct input of as many students as possible. Please be on the lookout for more information about how you can get involved and make a difference in these processes.”

Alistar also commended his fellow SMOB finalist Jeremy Wong on his campaign.

“Jeremy, thank you for being such a great fellow candidate throughout this process,” Alistar said. “Your ideas and thoughtfulness have impressed me deeply, and I can’t wait to see where your student advocacy journey takes you!”

Wong congratulated Alistar on his successful campaign, noting his confidence in Alistar as the new SMOB. Wong also thanked his many supporters as well as his appreciation for the opportunity to run for SMOB. “Getting to meet and hear so many of your concerns across the county was hugely inspiring, and I believe there is hope for this county. I am extremely proud of what this election represents and honored to have run,” he said.

HCASC student leaders facilitated and managed the SMOB campaign and election with guidance from the HCASC advisor and HCPSS central office staff. The SMOB election process aims to empower students in developing skills necessary to be engaged and informed citizens.