Student Voices in Action
February 19, 2026 – Students at the SkillSource Learning Center in Wenatchee spent part of a recent afternoon hearing from someone who’s around their own age and is already helping shape education policy across Washington.
Seventeen-year-old Riley Acheson, is a Student Board Member with the Washington State Board of Education. She came in to share her story, and an opportunity for students to step into leadership at the state level.
Riley spoke openly about her own experience navigating a school system that didn’t always fit for her or her younger sister, something many SkillSource students understand firsthand. Her experience in the public school system shaped her interest in education and has inspired her to pursue a career as a teacher.
Now serving as one of the Board’s voting members, Acheson participates in discussions around graduation requirements, diploma pathways, and how the education system can better serve the full range of student experiences across Washington. “I want to see us make a better system for everybody … I don’t know what that looks like. But that’s why we need to hear from more students directly, especially the voices in non-traditional school situations.”
Riley’s role on the Board carries full voting authority — equal to every other member on the Board — a reality she said has been both eye-opening and empowering. “You’re treated as an equal. Your opinion and your experience as a student are valued. The adults actually ask me what I think and it’s really cool,” Riley shared.
Right now the Board is conducting listening sessions across the state, gathering feedback about graduation requirements and what students believe would make school more relevant and useful. Riley encouraged Learning Center students to consider how their voices could shape the future of graduation requirements, even if the changes come after their own school journeys are complete. Students engaged throughout the visit, asking questions about what Riley has learned, how often she gets to travel, and what the work is actually like in her role.
Each year, the Washington State Board of Education selects one high school student to serve a two-year term as a voting member, beginning in their junior year. Students from a wide range of educational experiences — including non-traditional pathways — are encouraged to apply.
Students interested in learning more about the role and application process can explore opportunities through the Washington State Board of Education website.
A virtual Q&A session with current Student Board Members will be held March 3 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Registration information:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_awXOKILpTG6q3IWdMU-Iyw
