GRAND ISLAND – Angie De Orta was sworn in at the Sept. 10 Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education meeting as the student representative on the Board.
A senior in the Academy of Medical Sciences and Education at Grand Island Senior High School (GISH), De Orta brings a proven track record of student leadership, empathy, and launching new opportunities to her latest role.
Since 2007, the GIPS Board of Education has invited one high school senior to occupy a seat at the table and engage in the process of making their school and district better. While the student representative does not vote, the student representative has ample opportunity to influence discussion, considerations, and impact opportunities for change.
For De Orta, stepping into the board position is a natural connecting point of her GISH experience. Having spent the last three years engaged in a number of student activities, she recognizes the discussions taking place at the Board level help shape the student experience across GIPS.
“It’s important because… it’s kind of like paving a path for other people. It can encourage others to do the same.” De Orta said. “The decisions that are being made are affecting students, so it’s so important to have a student who cares actually be there to help in the process of making those decisions.”
A supportive leader and student advocate at GISH, De Orta feels like the role of Board Student Representative is a natural fit. Throughout her time at GISH, she has served as Treasurer for Glamour Gals, leadership team member of HOSA Future Healthcare Workers, a member of National Honor Society, serves on MENTOR Nebraska’s Youth Advisory Council, is active in the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy from UNL, and is a member of the track and field team.
More than resume-building title, De Orta is ready to dive into the governance and district support process.
For the 2026-27 school year, De Orta will attend each regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting and sit at the same rotunda as the elected Board Members. As an active participant, she will have the opportunity to hear all public reports, presentations, and requests. Along the way, she will also have opportunities to attend some Board committee meetings on an invitation basis. De Orta will also have opportunities to share her perspective, and present a monthly report on the latest updates, concerns, and ideas from Grand Island Senior High School’s student body.
She points to the diversity of both the student body and learning opportunities as her favorite aspect of the school.
“I love the diversity here, not just with the people, but with all the classes that we’re able to take,” De Orta noted, highlighting specialized offerings like Spanish for Spanish Speakers and AP Spanish Literature and Culture. “There’s something for everybody here.”
As she prepares to take her seat in the Board room, her outlook is rooted in belonging.
“Just to get my voice out there and to make sure that I’m representing my class well to an extent where I can help everyone feel seen.” De Orta said.