Charlotte High School Junior Lucy Silverstein Appointed as 2025 Student Advisor to CMS Board of Education

Charlotte High School Student Named New Advisor to CMS Board of Education

In the vibrant city of Charlotte, big news is making waves among local high school students! Lucy Silverstein, a bright junior at Providence High School, just received a life-changing call that brought tears of joy to her and her mom. This call was not just any call—it was from the Executive Director of Board Communications, Charles Jeter, who informed her that she was the new 2025 Student Advisor to the CMS Board of Education.

An Emotional Moment

Can you imagine sitting on the floor, listening to a call that could change your life forever? That’s exactly where Silverstein found herself when the phone rang. Initially, she braced herself for bad news. “I just was thinking it was the worst case scenario,” she said. But then came the surprise! Jeter broke the news, and it was pure bliss—both she and her mom burst into joyful screams, tears streaming down their faces. “I was physically shaking. I couldn’t sit still. I was doing laps around my house,” she joyfully recounted.

A Role with Purpose

For those who aren’t aware, the student advisor position was established in 2016 to bridge the gap between students and the Board. While this important role doesn’t include voting rights, it serves as a meaningful connection where student voices are valued in policy discussions. As Amy Farrell, the executive director of GenerationNation, notes, “Traditionally, when boards are talking about policies, they’re not in the schools every day, but the students are.”

And it’s not just about representation; it’s about genuine advocacy. Silverstein’s term as student advisor begins in January, right after the current advisor, Ailen De Bonis from Ardrey Kell High School, wraps up her term. Just to give you an idea, a whopping over 140,000 students are enrolled in the district, each one potentially benefiting from Silverstein’s advocacy.

Passion for Change

So, what drives Silverstein? Well, she brings her personal experiences to the table. A student with ADHD and dyslexia, she faced challenges in her early years that weren’t adequately addressed, and she doesn’t want others to face the same hurdles. “I remember being in middle school and my learning needs not being addressed,” she reflected. Her mission is clear: “I really hope I can make a true difference.”

Silverstein is not only passionate about education but also wants to improve the overall experience for her peers. With a firm belief that “there’s a stigma around asking for help,” she aims to create an environment where students feel safe and supported—both mentally and physically. After all, when students don’t feel safe, how can they possibly do their best work?

Getting the Word Out

You might be wondering how many fellow students even knew about the student advisor role. Well, according to Silverstein, many were in the dark, just like she was before this year. “I want to increase student participation and get students to come to board meetings and be interested in what decisions are being made,” she passionately expressed. This goal alone showcases her desire to not only be an advisor but a change agent who encourages other students to engage in the decision-making process.

From Stage to Advocacy

Armed with a confident personality, honed by her involvement in theater productions, Silverstein seems ready to tackle the exciting challenges that lie ahead. As she prepares for her school’s upcoming spring musical, “All Shook Up”, she’s simultaneously preparing herself for a leadership role that could make a significant impact on her community.

With so much drive and determination, it’s clear that Silverstein is not just ready to take on this new role—she’s going to create waves of positive change throughout the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School district! The future looks bright!