Release Date:
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Madaleine Osmun, a sophomore at Mt. Spokane High School in Mead, is the new eastern Washington student representative to the Washington State Board of Education. She began her two-year term with the Board in May, and will be sworn in at the September 9-11, 2014 board meeting in Wenatchee.
Osmun’s appointment is the result of a competitive application process that culminated with interviews of potential candidates with a panel of students from the Washington Student Advisory Council (WASC).
Board membership calls for two student representatives, one from eastern and one from western Washington. Osmun replaces outgoing eastern Washington student board member Eli Ulmer, a senior at Columbia Basin Secondary School in Moses Lake, who completed his two-year term with the Board at the May 7-8, 2014 meeting in Kennewick. Osmun joins the current western Washington student representative Mara Childs, a junior at Shorecrest High School in Shoreline. Childs has just completed her first year as a student board member.
Osmun has always had an interest in education and is happy to be a part of the Board and be a voice for the students in eastern Washington.
"I look forward to making a difference in the education world with my insights,” said Osmun. "I love education and hope to help others develop this love through positive changes in education policy.”
When not in school, Osmun is an avid athlete. Her love of running earned her a spot on the varsity cross country and track teams. She has participated in robotics, building and competing with a remote control vehicle. Osmun devotes much of her time volunteering in various capacities. Currently, she is making and donating hats to the American Cancer Society. Osmun also enjoys playing the piano, boarding, camping, and hiking.
"I am thrilled to be a part of such a positive group of people, all coming together to improve Washington’s education system,” Osmun explained.
More information about SBE board members can be found on our website at: www.sbe.wa.gov/about-us/board-members.
Photo of Madaleine Osmun: 
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Contact: Sarah Lane, SBE Communications Manager, (360) 725-6501
Nathan Olson, OSPI Communications Manager, (360) 725-6015
About the State Board of Education: The State Board of Education provides advocacy and strategic oversight of public education. The board is comprised of 16 members: five are elected by school board directors, seven are appointed by the Governor, two serve as student representatives, and one serves as a private school representative. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is also a member.