Two District 202 students have been selected to serve on the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) prestigious Student Advisory Council (SAC) for the 2025-26 academic year.
District 202 is the only district in Illinois with two representatives on the 21-member council this year.
Plainfield North High School junior Mowosimi Kolawole and Plainfield South High School sophomore Miranda Moreno-Balderas were chosen through a competitive application and interview process.
Established in 1975, the SAC gives high school students the opportunity to strengthen leadership skills and advise the State Board on education policy.
Kolawole, PNHS Junior Class Representative and founder of the nonprofit FoodEco, said he applied to the council to serve his community.
“I’ve always been passionate about helping out in any way that I can,” Kolawole said. “When I saw an opportunity to directly benefit my community by serving on the Student Advisory Council, I had to apply.”
He hopes to focus on student mental health and motivation during his term.
“I enjoy connecting with my peers and working together to achieve our goals,” he said.
Moreno-Balderas, active in Student Council, Key Club, and tutoring at PSHS, is also completing her associate’s degree in paralegal studies at Joliet Junior College while taking legal courses at Northwestern University.
She aspires to a career in corporate law.
“I did not expect my application process to go the way it did, and I’m very grateful for this privilege,” she said.
“I hope to turn artificial intelligence use into something positive for students, and I’d love to explore community business partnerships to bring new options into school cafeterias.”
She added that her favorite part of PSHS is its welcoming and diverse atmosphere.
“The atmosphere is very positive and makes me happy to learn more,” she said.
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders praised the council members statewide. “This group represents the best of Illinois’ student leaders, who are ready to use their voices to address challenges and shape solutions.”
District leaders also celebrated the appointments.
“We are excited and proud to have Mowosimi representing Plainfield North and the entire District 202 community on the ISBE Student Advisory Council,” PNHS Principal Ross Draper said.
District 202 congratulates both Kolawole and Moreno-Balderas on earning this statewide honor.
About ISBE SAC
Members meet throughout the year with policymakers, stakeholders, and community partners to research key issues, discuss ideas, and present recommendations directly to the State Board of Education.
As representatives, Kolawole and Moreno-Balderas will collaborate with other student leaders from across the state to ensure the perspectives of Illinois high schoolers are heard in shaping policies that impact learning and school environments.
Council members are selected through a rigorous process that includes a written application and video interview, in which students demonstrate their communication skills, leadership potential, and passion for improving education in Illinois.