We are proud that 8th Grader India Veilleux was selected to participate in the Maine Student Cabinet! This year’s Maine Department of Education (DOE) Student Cabinet convened its inaugural session last week, hosting 25 Maine students spanning from 5th grade to their first year of college and representing all Maine counties.
Established in 2019, the Maine DOE created the Student Cabinet to give Maine students a voice in education policy. Addressing the Student Cabinet, Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin underscored the significance of the initiative. “You have a very important role in Maine’s education system,” the Commissioner explained, “because you’re going to be our ears on the ground. You’ll let us know how education is working for you, and the young people you represent.”
Students spent the day meeting with Maine officials, including Governor Mills, legislators, State Treasurer Henry Beck, and representatives from the Secretary of State’s office.
“Meeting with the governor gave us a chance to speak out on what we really think about different school systems,” commented India Veilleux, an eighth grader at York Middle School.
Throughout the day, students collaborated to outline their priorities for the upcoming 2023-2024 Cabinet session. The Cabinet will convene virtually on a monthly basis to continue their discussions and work, and will meet again at the State Capitol in May