The Board of Education for Waukegan Community Unit School District # 60 welcomed Waukegan High School Junior Joanna Gutierrez as its newest Student Board Member during its January 25 meeting.

Joanna is a student at the WHS-Washington Campus. She serves as Community Service Officer in the JROTC, where she helps to monitor cadet volunteer hours. She is also a member of the Schuler Scholar Program. Outside of school, Joanna enjoys writing and working out. Prior to attending Waukegan High School, Joanna attended Clearview Elementary School and Jack Benny Middle School.

Joanna replaces Isam Hussaini, who completed his yearlong term as the district’s fourth student board member. Joanna’s term as a non-voting candidate will run through January 2023. 

As Student Board Member, Joanna says she is most looking forward to giving her fellow classmates a voice, and she wants to work to impact change that will positively impact all students. She wants to study business in college and hopes to help spark students’ entrepreneurial spirit while she is in high school. Joanna also wishes to work on ways to motivate and inspire Waukegan students. 

As a Student Board Member, Joanna will be given time on each School Board agenda to speak regarding student concerns, curriculum, and activities. She will act as a liaison between the students and school board, gather student concerns and celebrations in a variety of ways, and help communicate important information from the School Board to students.

Past Student Board Members include: 

2021: Isam Hussaini

2020: Van Weddle

2019: Austin Cantu

2018: Raven May