AGAWAM — Christina Ritter believes that the student representative on the School Committee is crucial to bringing a unique perspective to the committee’s discussions and decision-making.
Ritter will have the opportunity to bring her voice and her perspectives to committee meetings starting with the first School Committee meeting of the school year on Sept. 10. As the 2024-25 student representative, she said her role will be not only to keep the committee informed about what’s happening in schools, but also to keep students informed and updated on committee proceedings.
Reminder Publishing photo by Mike Lydick
“I can offer valuable insight into how decisions impact the student body, providing immediate and relevant feedback to them,” said the Agawam High School senior. “Moreover, I can help ensure that the views and concerns of students are considered in discussions that affect them directly.”
Ritter doesn’t see her role as adversarial, but rather one that fosters mutual understanding and respect by introducing perspectives that otherwise might be overlooked.
“I want to encourage greater community engagement so students and parents are more likely to feel involved and heard when they know their concerns can be addressed by the committee,” she said.
“I believe that honest communication, organization and hard work will help me achieve success in all areas of my life. Both at school and on this committee, I’ll be working with a supportive group of kind and compassionate people who will offer understanding and guidance if needed,” said Ritter. “By clearly communicating with everyone and maintaining a strong work ethic and valuable contributions, I’m confident I can effectively manage these responsibilities and thrive in this role.”
A lifelong resident of Agawam, Ritter said she wanted to serve as the student representative because she’s experienced firsthand how the committee’s decisions affect students.
“In the past, I often felt disconnected from the decision-making process, not realizing that a student representative could bring up concerns and questions on behalf of the student body,” she said.
Ritter said she wants other students to understand that through her, they can have their voices heard and their concerns addressed: “I see this role as an opportunity to give back to and connect with my school community.”
The 17-year-old was selected for the position through a process coordinated by Assistant Principal Amanda Danek, who sent out an email and survey to the class of 2025 to gauge interest in becoming the student representative.
“Having been recommended by the previous student representative, I completed the survey and was then chosen by Principal Jim Blain,” Ritter said.
Ritter said she plans to follow the precedent set by Aiden Kane, last year’s student representee, of reporting on all schools, not just the high school. She said it’s “essential” for the School Committee to have “a comprehensive understanding” of what’s happening in all schools, so decisions are based on a broad perspective.
To prepare for her new role, Ritter reached out to all principals and outlined what they can expect from her so there is consistent and effective communication. She plans to keep students informed about meeting proceedings through updates coordinated with the principals. Following each meeting, she will provide a summary of the discussions and any responses to questions, subjects or issues she was asked to raise with the committee.
“I’ve encouraged principals to share these updates with parents and students to ensure transparency and boost community engagement,” she said.
Although no specific issues were brought to Ritter’s attention before the school year ended in June, she said she’s dedicated to addressing any concerns that arise.
“If students have issues or questions they would like me to bring up, I will make sure these are included in meetings so that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed,” she added.
At AHS, Ritter is actively involved in a range of extracurricular activities. She’s the goalkeeper for the girls varsity soccer team, serves as the secretary for the class of 2025, and is a member of the National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society and History Honors Society.
Ritter is also secretary for both the Model Congress club and the Future Teachers of America club, a member of the “As Schools Match Wits” club and the Agawam Chiefs, which helps plan orientations for students entering AHS.
She said her parents are extremely proud of her for being chosen to serve on the School Committee: “They’re very supportive of my involvement and are pleased that I’ve found a meaningful and unique way to give back to my community through my passion for government.”
As for college, Ritter is just beginning the application process, so she hasn’t yet finalized the list of schools she’s considering. Ritter said she’s keeping her options open as she researches which programs best align with her career and interests.
“I’m exploring several potential majors for my undergraduate degree. Although journalism is definitely one of my top interests, I am also considering communications, political science and public policy as majors,” she said. “Even though I haven’t yet decided on a specific career path, I’m certain that any of these fields will align with my interests and goals.”
