OLYMPIA, Wash. – Joseph Hofman, a sophomore at Cascade High School in Everett, is the new western Washington student representative to the Washington State Board of Education. He begins his two-year term with the Board on May 12, and will be sworn in at the July 12-13 board meeting in Spokane.

“I will make it my duty to serve the students of Western Washington with my every effort,” said Hofman. “I believe that students should feel empowered and be heard, and I hope to facilitate communication between students and the State Board when I begin my new role as State Board Student Representative.”

Hofman has always had a passion for leadership. He is Associated Student Body President of his class, and enjoys playing on the varsity tennis, swim/dive, and track teams. He is also part of the lnterAct club, Bruins Against Cancer Club, National Honor society, and Wind Ensemble at Cascade. Outside of school, he participates in club diving with DiveSeattle and club volleyball with Space Needle Volleyball Foundation.

Hofman’s appointment is the result of a competitive application process that culminated with panel interviews of potential candidates conducted by students from the Association of Washington Student Leaders Executive Committee. More information about SBE board members can be found on the SBE website.

Board membership calls for two student representatives, one from eastern and one from western Washington. Hofman replaces outgoing western Washington student board member Baxter Hershman, a senior at Gig Harbor High School, who will complete his two-year term with the Board at the May 10-11, 2017 meeting in Walla Walla. Hofman joins current eastern Washington student representative Lindsey Salinas, a junior at Wellpinit High School on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Salinas has just completed her first year as a student board member.

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About the State Board of Education: The State Board of Education provides advocacy and strategic oversight of public education. The board comprises 16 members: five elected by school board directors, seven appointed by the Governor, two student representatives, and one private school representative. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is also a member.