Overview:
Three student leaders from Riverside Unified School District were sworn in as Student Board Members for the 2026-27 school year during an August 27 meeting. Seniors Leah Blanford and Kelsey Troast, alongside junior Seoyool Kim, will provide student perspectives on district priorities through staggered terms. These appointments aim to integrate student voices into public governance and foster leadership within the community.
Nyla Glover
Three student leaders from Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) officially took the Oath of Office during the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, Aug. 27, at the district headquarters in Riverside.
Senior, Leah Blanford and junior, Seoyool Kim of Riverside STEM Academy, along with senior Kelsey Troast of Riverside Polytechnic High School, were sworn in as Student Board Members for the 2026–27 school year, providing a crucial student perspective on school culture, campus experiences, and districtwide priorities during public Board meetings.
The three representatives will serve staggered terms throughout the academic year to ensure continuous student representation on the Board. Blanford will serve the first term from August through October, followed by Troast from November through February, and Kim will complete the final term from March through May.
“Our responsibility is not only to prepare students to lead in the future, but also to create opportunities for them to lead today,” said RUSD Superintendent Dr. Sonia Llamas. “Leah, Kelsey, and Seoyool have stepped forward with courage, curiosity, and a commitment to serve their peers. Through this experience, they will strengthen their voices, deepen their understanding of public service, and see how thoughtful leadership can turn ideas into meaningful change. I am excited to support them, learn from them, and watch each of them continue to be extraordinary.”
Each of the newly appointed Student Trustees brings a robust background of academic excellence, campus leadership, and community service to the board. Blanford, a senior, has served as vice president for Riverside STEM Academy’s Associated Student Body (ASB) and the Connecting Ambitious Kids To Engineering and Science (CAKTES) club, as well as president of the Speech and Debate team. Outside the classroom, she co-chairs Assisteens, a volunteer organization assisting children in need, and plans to major in public policy at New York University.
Troast, also a senior, actively participates in Riverside Poly’s ASB, Link Crew, and National Honor Society programs, while competing on varsity tennis for the Bears. She has served as a Career Technical Education representative for the photography pathway and frequently volunteers as a mentor for younger students in local after-school programs.
Kim, a junior, serves as president of the Asian Student Union, competes in the Science Olympiad, and has participated in theater since fifth grade. Driven by a passion for environmental health, she leads the Environmental Committee on the Youth Advisory Council and plans to study environmental chemistry at a four-year university following graduation.
“Giving students a seat at the table is one of the ways we ensure our schools continue to grow with the needs of our community,” said Board President Dr. Noemi Hernandez Alexander. “We have seen so many extraordinary Student Trustees give of their time, effort, and passion through this role, and I have no doubt Leah, Seoyool, and Kelsey will leave their own legacy on our Board and throughout our district.”