SPRINGFIELD – A new group of student leaders from across Illinois will serve on the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) 2026-27 Student Advisory Council, bringing together high school students from diverse geographic, academic, and personal backgrounds to share their perspectives on education and student success.
The Student Advisory Council provides a forum for students to engage directly with ISBE leadership, discuss issues affecting their schools and communities, and develop recommendations on policies and initiatives that impact Illinois students. Council members serve as student representatives and advocates, helping ensure student voices are reflected in statewide education conversations.
Members of the State Board welcomed the 2026-27 Student Advisory Council during the September regular business meeting in Springfield.
The students selected for the 2026-27 Student Advisory Council bring valuable perspectives, thoughtful ideas, and a deep commitment to their peers and communities," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "Their voices help strengthen our work and ensure that student experiences remain at the center of education policy discussions across Illinois."
Council members are selected through a competitive application process that includes written responses and interviews. Students are selected based on their leadership experience, communication skills, commitment to service, and interest in improving educational opportunities for all Illinois students.
Throughout the school year, council members will meet regularly with ISBE staff and leadership, collaborate with fellow student leaders, research key education issues, and present recommendations on topics affecting students both inside and outside the classroom.
The members of the 2026-27 Student Advisory Council are:
- Mahi T. Chanpura, junior at Glenwood High School
- Yoonsung Cho, senior at Mahomet-Seymour High School
- Dana Eltayeb, senior at William Jones College Preparatory High School
- Daniel Gutierrez-Trejo, senior at Collinsville High School
- Maryam Hafiz, junior at Glenwood High School
- Natalie Harris, senior at Springfield Southeast High School
- Madalyn Hilligoss, junior at Glenwood High School
- Anden Hong, senior at Walter Payton College Preparatory High School
- Megan Kline, junior at O'Fallon Township High School
- Mowosimi Kolawole, senior at Plainfield North High School
- Corbyn Legendre, junior at Red Bud High School
- Mia Lopez, senior at Riverside Brookfield High School
- Derion Millender, junior at East St. Louis Senior High School
- Danielle Moore, senior at Thornwood High School
- Miranda Moreno-Balderas, junior at Plainfield South High School
- Kristen Painter, senior at Riverton High School
- Kush Patel, senior at O'Fallon Township High School
- Sean T. Phillips, senior at Wheaton North High School
- Olivia Quertermous, junior at Vienna High School
- Brayden Runyon, junior at Richland County High School
- Elijah M. Smith, senior at Glenwood High School
Learn more about the Student Advisory Council on ISBE's Student Voices webpage.
