Meet new student representative to Plum board

Therese Schollaert was introduced as the new student representative to Plum Borough School Board during its May 30 meeting.

She succeeds Lauren Price, who graduated and plans to attend the University of Notre Dame to study civil engineering.

“It was an honor to be a voice for my student body and advocate for their needs, but also be the voice to share what’s happening at the school. I’m very excited for my next chapter,” Price said. “I’m so excited that they picked Therese to be the next student representative. I’ve known her since I was a little girl at Plum Aqua, and I know she’ll do a fantastic job.”

The position is for seniors and has a selection process that includes interviews with multiple members of the school’s administration.

It’s largely ceremonial, as the position carries no voting power but allows for the school board to better understand high school students’ perspectives. Most of the position’s reports include activities that the school is undergoing or issues within the school.

Schollaert plans to study at either Duquesne University or Penn State, with the Pittsburgh school her current preference. She wants to enter the justice system as a criminal psychologist or defense attorney, and will pursue either a psychology or law degree.

“This is something I saw advertised in an email, and it seems really interesting and right up my alley for what I want to do in the future,” she said. “So I’m excited to fill Lauren’s shoes and hopefully live up to the expectations that everyone has.”

Schollaert is a swimmer, just like Price, and has competed for Plum at the state level. She is a member of the high school’s Girls Leadership Association, Nationals Honor Society and Earth Club, and is a co-founder of Women in STEM.