Walt Whitman Senior Named Student Representative On South Huntington School Board

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — Walt Whitman High School senior Miles Berman has been selected to serve as the ex-officio student member of the South Huntington Board of Education for the 2026-27 school year, giving students across the district a voice in board discussions.

Berman is the district's sixth ex-officio student board member since voters established the position in 2021, before New York State began requiring student representatives on school boards in 2025.

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Student representatives serve as nonvoting members and cannot participate in executive sessions or confidential proceedings.

Walt Whitman High School Principal Dr. John Murphy, who participated in the selection process, praised Berman's ability to connect with students from different backgrounds and interests.

"He's diverse. He's an athlete, an intellect enrolled in many AP and advanced-level courses, and a member of DECA and Virtual Enterprise," Murphy said. "He really has his hand in a little bit of everything within the school building, connecting him with so many different types of students. He is able to learn what they're thinking and feeling, and can communicate that to us."

Berman said his interest in the position began in eighth grade, when he learned about the opportunity from students who previously held the role. As he became more involved in student government, honor societies and school committees, he developed a passion for student advocacy.

"Around late sophomore into junior year, as my leadership opportunities ramped up, I found myself getting more involved as a student leader in both Whitman and in the community. I love having my voice heard at the table and representing those who aren't there," Berman said.

Berman was selected following a competitive interview process involving district administrators and former student leaders.

"It would be easy to focus only on Whitman because I'm a student here," Berman said. "But it's important to be visible at Stimson, Countrywood, Memorial, Maplewood, and Birchwood. I plan to meet with principals and student leaders across the district to hear what students are working on and hoping for so I can accurately represent them to the board. Adults have the final say, but student opinions should be heard since it's their education being impacted."

Beyond his new role on the school board, Berman is active in numerous extracurricular activities.

He serves as co-president of DECA, secretary of the National Business Honor Society, treasurer of Model UN and chief marketing officer in Virtual Enterprise.

He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society, Virtual Enterprise Mentorship Club and Natural Helpers.

Outside of school, Berman holds a regional leadership position in BBYO, a Jewish youth organization. He recently helped organize a fundraiser that raised $58,000 for the American Transplant Foundation.

Berman is also a fifth-year varsity golfer and third-year varsity tennis player at Walt Whitman.

After graduation, he hopes to major in economics and pursue a career in business. His preferred colleges include the University of Virginia, University of Florida and University of South Carolina.

As he prepares for graduation, Berman hopes his work on the board will help preserve the opportunities and traditions that have shaped his experience in the South Huntington School District.