Camden Central School District -

Like other districts across the state, the Camden Central School District added student representatives to its Board of Education for the 2025-26 school year. This position provides an opportunity for current Camden High School students to get a closer look at school district governance, while also advising the board on various matters from a student’s perspective. The position is an ex-officio (non-voting) role.

For this school year, our primary representative is senior Isabella (Bella) Keller, with classmate Ella Winters serving as the alternate. We caught up with the board’s new “dynamic duo” to get their thoughts on this trailblazing experience, and how they hope to use it in their future endeavors.

What made you want to pursue this opportunity?
BK: I really felt like students deserved and needed a voice in the school board as they make decisions that directly affect us and our everyday lives. Although they always try to have our best interests in mind, I felt like a student’s perspective could be beneficial to help see every angle. I had heard that there had been discussions of adding a student board member and was super excited when they finally put out the forms to apply!

EW: I wanted to pursue this opportunity because I wanted to make sure the voices of the students were heard in a non-biased way. Also, I wanted to foster a sense of connectivity between the students and the the ways they can be involved in the decisions that affect them.

What does this position mean to you?
BK: This position means a new chapter for the students at CHS, both now and in the future. I think that this will really help encourage students to get involved not only in their education but also in the decisions and opportunities that directly impact their education as well. As of now, our school essentially is our life. We spend most of our time here, focus on our schoolwork and extracurriculars, so decisions that are made affect us greatly. I really want to do the honor of being the first student school board representative justice and set up the position to make it easier for all our future student representatives. It's very nerve-wracking (but exciting!) to get this opportunity to serve my fellow students and the district!

EW: This position is important to me because I get to help the student body and help our voices be heard and valued enough to possibly make a change if needed.

What do you hope to learn this year?
BK: I really want to learn how to turn my passion for equality and making sure everyone's voices are heard into something tangible and real, rather than just having it be a passion. I want to learn how to make real change while working with those around me and learn how to see others perspectives better to help them. I want to use this opportunity to learn how to connect with other people, and communities that I might not have things in common with to better work as a community.

EW: I hope to learn more about the process of proposing and approving the policies that go into effect. I would also like to learn more about what the student body wants a whole.

What do you find interesting about public service?
BK: To me, public service is really interesting as it makes me feel better connected to the community around me. I feel like when I engage with my community in that way I feel better connected to those around me. I think it’s a really human connection when you get to help serve the community around you and directly impact people’s lives.

EW: The thought of making a true difference is very interesting to me. Also, there are many different opportunities that I can pursue to help a number of different groups of people.

What other activities are you involved in at CHS?
BK: I’m part of a lot of clubs! I’m president of both Student Leadership and Science Club and I’m a member of both Book Club and Drama Club. I am a part of all our theatre productions here at the high school as well. I help with sound and lights for our plays and perform in our musicals. I’m a member of the NHS as well and love helping our community that way as well.

EW: I am involved and am officers of many different clubs like Drama Club, Student Leadership, National Honor Soceity, Senior Class Treasurer, Science Club and Camden Corner Store. I also participate in the fall and spring plays and the musicals.

What are your future plans shaping up to be? Do you have any career aspirations in mind?
BK: I’m planning on attending college after high school to pursue a double major in Theatre Design and Technology, as well as either Journalism or Social Justice. I’m currently hoping to use my Journalism/Social Justice degree to either become a Human Rights or Immigration Lawyer. I know I want to continue to help people after high school, no matter where or what I end up doing.

EW: My future plans are to go to a four year college for a degree in the Communications field with a minor in Meteorology. I would love to work for a news station, whether that is in front of the screen or behind it.