Release Date:
OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Board of Education and the Association of Washington Student Leaders are pleased to announce that Siri Mouat, a sophomore from Walla Walla High School, has been selected to serve as the Board’s next student board member. She will serve during the 2026–27 and 2027–28 school years.
“Siri will be an incredible addition to our team,” said Mary Fertakis, Chair of the Washington State Board of Education. “She brings an important rural student perspective that will strengthen the conversations we are having about educational equity across Washington. Her experience in legislative advocacy and student organizing will be a valuable asset to the Board’s work, and we look forward to working with her over the next two years.”
As a student representative, Mouat hopes to advocate for greater access and opportunity for students across Washington, especially students in rural communities who may face financial barriers at school.
“I think every student deserves a high-quality education with opportunities that prepare them for their future, regardless of their financial situation,” Mouat said. “I want to help decrease the gaps between larger schools in wealthier urban areas and smaller rural schools with fewer resources.”
Mouat is active in a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs. She is the vice president of Walla Walla High School’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter and serves as the state lieutenant governor for YMCA Washington Youth & Government, where she works on legislative advocacy and civic engagement initiatives. In addition, Mouat is involved in theater productions at both her school and local community theaters and serves as a student director for a children’s theater summer camp.
In the future, Mouat hopes to pursue a career in educational administration. She plans to further her education as much as possible so she can continue advocating for students.
“Too often, I see young people being disregarded because of their age, and this was a unique opportunity for me to represent my community and peers,” Mouat said. “I saw this as a chance to learn from and work with diverse groups of people to serve our educational system in any way that I can.”
About the Student Representatives Position
Serving on the State Board of Education is an important role for Washington's students. The Board's two Student Representatives represent over one million students statewide. Their view can make a difference for generations of Washington students to come. Notably, Washington is one of only six states and the District of Columbia who allow students to vote. In addition to attending board meetings, student representatives may attend community forums, site visits, and other outreach and engagement events developed by the Board and partner organizations such as the Association of Washington Student Leaders.
Please Direct All Media Inquiries To: