News Summary
Ava Dakash, a rising junior at Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet High School, has been appointed as the new student member of the Metro Nashville Public Schools Board of Education. Dakash is set to represent over 81,000 students and aims to amplify student voices in educational decisions. Her leadership experience and commitment to advocacy reflect the progressive ideals behind student participation in governance. The announcement highlights the continuing commitment of MNPS to include student perspectives in shaping the educational landscape.
Metro Nashville
Ava Dakash, a rising junior at Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet High School, has been appointed as the new student member of the Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) Board of Education for the 2025-2026 school year. The selection committee, which evaluated more than 20 applications, chose Dakash for her leadership experience and commitment to giving a voice to fellow students.
Dakash will join Hannah Nguyen, a rising senior from John Overton High School, as a non-voting member of the Board, representing the interests of over 81,000 students in the district during the upcoming school year. This position aims to foster student engagement in educational decisions and provide insights from a student perspective to the Board.
In her application, Dakash emphasized her belief that all students deserve representation in decisions that impact their lives. She aspires to become an attorney and sees advocacy and representation as fundamental values she wishes to uphold in her role. Her commitment to leadership is reflected in her various roles, including serving as the publicity manager for the National French Honor Society, leading civic engagement projects through the Rhizome Civic Service Fellowship, and participating as a Senate delegate at the Youth in Government Capitol Conference.
Additionally, Dakash is a member of the National Beta Club, showcasing her dedication to academic excellence and community involvement. In her free time, she engages in interests such as crocheting and playing badminton.
The selection committee was led by District 6 Board Member Cheryl Mayes, who commended Dakash for her leadership potential, insightful thoughts, and genuine passion for serving her peers. The committee conducted interviews with seven finalists before reaching their decision.
The student member position on the MNPS Board was reintroduced during the 2021-22 school year, reflecting the district’s commitment to integrating student voices into the wider educational narrative. Recent legislative measures in Tennessee will further enhance this initiative, as a new state law mandates that other school districts develop policies for non-voting student board members, ensuring that student representation becomes standard across the state.
Dakash’s first official Board meeting is scheduled to take place in August, marking the beginning of her tenure as a representative for her peers. She succeeds Christine Tran, who graduated from James Lawson High School in May, thus continuing the tradition of empowering students within the district’s leadership framework.
The introduction of student members to educational decision-making bodies is an increasingly recognized practice in the U.S., aimed at promoting democratic participation and fostering a deeper understanding of governance among young individuals. Through her new role, Dakash has the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to policy discussions that ultimately affect the educational experiences of her fellow students.
As MNPS continues to evolve, the inclusion of engaged and motivated student voices, like those of Dakash and Nguyen, signals a progressive approach towards inclusivity and shared governance in the education system.
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Additional Resources
- Main Street Media: MLK High School Student on Metro Nashville Board
- Tennessean: Metro Nashville Schools Board on Literacy and Equity
- Fox17: MNPS Board Concern Ahead of Budget Presentation
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
