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This story first appeared in the Fall 2025 Pal-Mac Pulse magazine. Click here to view it.

SEP.1, 2025— Two Palmyra-Macedon students are now seated at the table with District decision-makers as the first-ever student representatives on the Pal-Mac Board of Education.

Lily Cooley and Dane Hartwell began their one-year, non-voting terms in July, following their official appointment at the Board’s organizational meeting. Their selection comes as school districts across New York begin to implement a new state law requiring every public school board to include at least one student member. 

As student BOE members, they will sit with Board members at public meetings, present regular reports, and participate in workshops and special meetings when invited. While they do not vote or attend executive sessions, their role is to represent and reflect the views of the broader student body.

“We’re so excited to welcome Lily and Dane to the Board of Education,” said BOE President Laura Arrington. “Their perspectives and voices as students are incredibly valuable, and we look forward to learning from them. Having their insight at the table will help ensure that student experiences remain at the heart of our decisions.”

Cooley, a member of the Class of 2027, is active in Model UN, Peer-to-Peer, lacrosse, tennis, and helps plan activities for her class. She said she’s eager to serve as a liaison between students and the Board, ensuring student feedback informs schoolwide decisions.

“I will bring a unique perspective that represents the student body effectively,” Cooley said. “One of my goals is to make a bigger impact while I am in high school by making school experiences positive for all students. I’m working on surveys that give students a chance to share their feedback on school decisions so they feel heard.”

Hartwell, a junior, participates in both symphonic and jazz band, serves as Class Treasurer, plays on the tennis team, and is involved in Model UN. He said he’s committed to helping students feel heard and supported.

“I am excited for the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Board,” Hartwell said. “And I am committed to helping create an even better educational environment for every student at Pal-Mac.”

The path to appointment involved a comprehensive selection process. Interested students in grades 9 through 11 had to complete a written application, which included essay responses about leadership, communication, and their vision for student advocacy. Applicants also submitted two letters of recommendation , one from a Pal-Mac staff member and one from a non-relative adult. 

Finalists were reviewed by a committee consisting of the high school assistant principal, a school counselor, and a student club advisor, who then made formal recommendations to the Board of Education.

Cooley and Hartwell were introduced to the Board at its June meeting and officially began their terms in July after taking an oath of office. 

“When I use my experiences alongside the voices of other students, I can help make our school and community more positive,” Cooley said. “This opportunity is helping me grow into a stronger leader.”

Their terms will continue through the end of the school year, with the option to reapply for up to two additional terms if no other applicants step forward.