Maeve Curtin First Student Liaison on Falls Church School Board

Before Feb. 26, there had never been a student representative on the Falls Church City School Board, but George Mason High School junior Maeve Curtin changed that.

In the fall Curtin, 16, asked school board member John Lawrence if there had ever been a sitting student representative. Curtin found that other school boards had student representatives and thought it was time the local board had one. Lawrence brought the idea to the board and it was well received. Two weeks ago, the board passed a resolution making way for a student representative.

Curtin was amongst four students voted on by Mason’s student council.

“I always thought it was something the school board was lacking,” Curtin said. “I thought it was something that was needed.”

Board Chair Susan Kearney swore in Curtin Tuesday night before the work session. The student liaison is a non-voting advisor to the board representing the interests of the students of Falls Church City Public Schools. Curtin’s term will run through June 30, 2014.

Lawrence, who said he has known Curtin for at least eight years, said he couldn’t think of anyone more deserving. A three-year varsity lacrosse player at Mason and president of the school's Best Buddies chapter, Curtin has already presented responses from a student petition concerning a technology survey designed to gauge interest in how best to move forward with technology device integration in the classroom.

Witnessing Curtin’s swearing in delighted Lawrence.

“I wish I could make someone that happy every day,” Lawrence said. “I couldn’t have been prouder.”

Curtin said she is looking forward to representing the students on the school board and is looking forward to working with students throughout the system. She said a lot of fellow students have congratulated her, but she hasn’t completely accepted the fact she is on the school board.

“I don’t think it has sunk in that this has happened,” Curtin said. “Once I get situated and start working, I think it will set in.”