Ellington New Student Rep to Board of Ed

The welcomed it newest student representative at its board meeting on Thursday- junior Hunter Ellington.

As student representative, Ellington is expected to provide reports on the activities, successes and sentiment of the student body, and to be the eyes and ears of the board and superintendent on policies facing students.

Thursday's meeting was Ellington’s first after being selected among around 10 candidates to take the role. His term is for one year.

“It was a quick process,” Ellington recalled of the three days to learn that he was chosen. He responded to an announcement on the high school television station’s Morning Show requesting candidates.

Candidates were asked to fill out a form and answer several questions in the form of an essay. Ellington had to write a paragraph about what why he thought he was good for the job.

“I wrote that I am a very outgoing person and I am very involved in the school,” Ellington said. “I am very mature for my age and can come here and act responsibly and at the same time go back to my school and have fun and fit in with my  peers.”

By most accounts, Ellington is an over-achiever. He plays football in the fall, ice hockey in the winter and lacrosse in the spring. Academically, he is in three high advanced placement classes, AP history, government and chemistry, and two honors classes, English and intro to calculus.

On the extra-curricular side, he is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America Club, is a peer counselor and is a member of the Young Patriots Club.

In preparation for the board meeting, Ellington met with Kinnelon High School Principal Dr. Wayne Merckling to review what he wanted to present and came away with a bulleted list of topics to cover.

At the board meeting, Ellington presented six pages of informative information about various school sports and student programs.

“I did a lot of research,” Ellington said.