The importance of a board

This year’s graduating class, like many classes before them, had to sit in front of an “Oral Board” with community members that had looked over the educational portfolios the seniors had been keeping for four years. They then asked them questions, got to know them, gave them constructive advice and sent them out the door with a positive statement and a smile on their faces.

Before I ever worked for Lake Roosevelt, I was one of those community members who volunteered my own time to sit with a graduate for 30 minutes and help them complete their final step before graduation. It was, and still is, a time filled with great memories. It is bittersweet, though. You get to know this student in their final moments before moving on. I wished I had really gotten to know this “kid” before then.

So many times we go to sporting events, read the paper, scan social media, know their parents and think we know them also. There is so much more to these young adults than that, and when you sit on their board, you learn those things. You learn the many things they overcame to get to this point. You learn their dreams and desires. You learn what is important to them. You learn about the influences in their lives. You learn about the educational process as it is today, through their eyes. You learn the things we do not get to see by sitting on the outside looking in. Only when we get the opportunity to let them speak and we listen do we learn what makes them tick.

For example, we all know the valedictorian this year. We saw her run in cross country, track, and in basketball. Some of us even saw her run every morning before school. Rain, snow, wind and heat, she was out and running. We know she is very smart. We heard about the awards and the 4.0 GPA over four years. But do we know why she runs? Those who sat on her oral board now know, because they read her papers, talked to her and asked about her life ambitions.

We also think we know Tony Nichols. Wrestling, wrestling, wrestling. We may also have heard other stuff that we try to attach to him, as well, but there is a whole lot more to Mr. Nichols than a wrestling medal around his neck. Family is huge to Tony. You would have heard all about that, too, by sitting on his board. You would have also heard about his struggles this year that were more than just deciding where to put on a singlet for next year.

You would have heard from Mason, Letisia, Jonah and Dakota, and heard about the numerous obstacles that life has put in front of them, and that they did not give up. They keep moving forward with power, strength and willingness to go beyond any labels that might be cast upon them. They have all conquered the giant mountain that was in front of them and know they are stepping out into their dreams, ready for more.

These are just a few students whom you would have gotten to meet on the oral boards. These students, the class of 2019, are headed down the road. They are headed to universities, community colleges, trade schools, the military, apprenticeship programs, the workforce and other areas. The good news is the class of 2020 is eagerly waiting to tell you all about them.

If you were to ask anyone who has ever been on an oral board, they will tell you just how rewarding it is to be on that side of the table, and they will do it again and again. It is also important for you to know what kind of adults Lake Roosevelt is producing.

If you are interested in being on a board next year, feel free to contact Lake Roosevelt Pathways Department for all the info you need to know for next year. It is a very important step in their kids’ lives, and you can play a very important part of it. More importantly, the kids need you to achieve the next great thing in their lives.