Hunter Mezzatesta, a Yorktown High School senior, made his first appearance as the Yorktown Central School District’s first ex officio student member of the Board of Education.
Joining him in leadership is junior Luke Evangelista, who was named the alternate ex officio member. Both students will attend board meetings throughout the 2025-26 school year to share student perspectives, provide updates and contribute to discussions. They were selected after an interview process conducted by the Superintendent’s Student Council.
Mezzatesta was officially appointed in June. In his first remarks as part of the board during the Sept. 15 meeting, he said it was “an honor” and “an awesome opportunity” to take on the role, adding that his priority is “to be a voice for the students—to represent them, to give them a voice, to be there for them.”
He has been in the district since seventh grade, played football and lacrosse in middle school, and spent the last four years on the varsity boys lacrosse team. After graduation, he will continue his athletic career on the men’s lacrosse team at the University of Virginia.
“This place made awesome memories for me, so thankful for everyone that has come my way it’s really shaped me to the person I am today,” he said.
Evangelista, a junior, said both he and Mezzatesta are “so grateful to be a part of this Board of Education and be able to speak for the students.” He participates in the science research program and runs cross country and track. He said he looks forward to learning from Mezzatesta and eventually taking on the role himself.
In his first update to the board, Mezzatesta highlighted the fall athletics season and encouraged the community to support teams at upcoming games. He also spoke about recent back-to-school nights, the paving of the C-Lot led by the Superintendent’s Student Council, and the recognition of five students named National Merit semifinalists.
On the recently implemented cell phone ban across New York State public schools, Mezzatesta said that while students were initially concerned, the policy has had positive results.
“While students were initially concerned about the strict policy, so far it’s working out better than many expected,” he said. “Students are more focused and less distracted in the classroom. That said, there are certainly some adjustments that would make this policy less restrictive, while maintaining the benefits of student learning.”
He suggested allowing phone use during free periods as one possible adjustment.
“We’re hopeful that as time goes on, appropriate adjustments will be made to the policy,” he said.
Board trustee Cheryl Reynolds praised Mezzatesta for his thoughtful comments, calling him not only a student voice but also an “advocate.” Superintendent of Schools Ron Hattar also commended Mezzatesta for a “terrific update.”
The goal of having students at the table, Hattar said, is to strengthen the connection between the student body, the board and its policies. Evangelista will work to make a short video recap after each board meeting, modeled after Hattar’s weekly “Yorktown Minute,” to share with students how board actions affect them.
Reynolds said it was “wonderful” to see students join the board after years of discussion.
“It’s nice to finally see two faces join us at the table,” she said.
Board members, including Board President Lisa Rolle, warmly welcomed the students.
“The student was the piece of our board that we were missing and now we have it,” Rolle said. “We’re so grateful to hear what you guys have to us and then for you to take the message back about why something can or can’t be done. We’re just so excited to have the communication.”
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here