When Mahopac High School seniors Matthew Conelli and Celina Wendler and juniors Cira Graap and Sullivan Hunter walk into the high school auditorium for board of education meetings this year, they won’t just be students in the audience. They’ll have a seat at the table.
The four were selected to serve as ex officio members of the Mahopac Central School District Board of Education for the 2025–2026 school year, making them the first group of students to take on this new role created in response to a statewide mandate. While New York State requires that districts appoint at least one student representative, Mahopac chose to appoint four; giving a broader range of voices and perspectives the chance to shape conversations that affect the entire student body.
“These four students represent the best of what Mahopac has to offer,” Interim Superintendent of Schools Frank Miele said. “They are bright, dedicated and committed to their peers. Their voices will add an important dimension to our work, and I’m excited to see the impact they’ll have this year.”
Board of Education President Michael Mongon said the decision to go above the state requirement was an easy one. “This is a valuable opportunity for us to learn directly from the students we serve,” he said. “By hearing from multiple student representatives, we get a fuller picture of the needs, ideas and priorities of our school community.”
Matthew Conelli
For Matthew Conelli, a senior, leadership has been a constant throughout high school. He has served in student government since ninth grade and is now executive vice president. He is active in multiple clubs, plays goalie for the varsity hockey team, and works as a disability support worker outside of school.
“Being chosen for this position shows me that people are listening,” Conelli said. “I’m honored to be here, and I hope to use my voice to support things that matter to students, like mental health.” He is already advocating for initiatives such as a student wellness day and open forums for feedback.
Cira Graap
Cira Graap, a junior, sees her selection as both a responsibility and a call to action.
“To me, being on the board means really stepping up and being a voice for all students,” Graap said.
Graap has founded and led clubs, traveled to Washington, D.C. and Albany to advocate with the Epilepsy Foundation of America, and is currently working toward her Girl Scout Gold Award. She hopes to represent disabled students in particular.
“I want to join the Special Education committee so I can better understand and advocate for their needs,” she explained.
Sullivan Hunter
Sullivan Hunter, also a junior, balances varsity football and lacrosse with playing in the school orchestra. He views his new role as a chance to set a precedent.
“We’re the first group to do this, and I want to make sure we set the tone for how students can make their voices heard,” Hunter said. “To be a Mahopac student is to be part of a family. That’s the perspective I want to bring, to show how we can keep that supportive environment strong.”
Celina Wendler
For Celina Wendler, a senior and lifelong Mahopac student, the position is about representation and equity. An Afro-Latina student who serves as Mock Trial president, R.I.C.E. Club treasurer, student government member and varsity track athlete, Wendler plans to study law and continue her work as an advocate.
“I want every student, no matter what their background, to feel valued, heard and supported,” Wendler said. “That includes making sure we are addressing diversity, belonging and mental health in meaningful ways.”
The four student board members will not cast votes, but they will attend meetings, participate in discussions and offer insight on issues ranging from academics and extracurriculars to mental health and school culture.
Interim Superintendent Miele said the initiative reflects Mahopac’s belief that students should be active partners in shaping their own educational experience. “Our schools are for the students,” he said. “It only makes sense that their voices are part of the conversation.”
Wendler summed up the group’s shared excitement: “We’re ready to listen, to share, and to make sure students know they’re being represented. That’s what this opportunity is all about.”