Two student leaders have been selected to serve as the next student board representatives to the District 45 Board of Education. Jefferson Middle School eighth-grader November Doria and Jackson Middle School eighth-grader Lily Castaldi will serve during the 2025-26 school year.
Doria and Castaldi will provide student perspectives at selected board meetings, delivering regular reports to the board that highlight the experiences of District 45 middle school students.
November Doria
November Doria, now an eighth grader at Jefferson Middle School, attended Schafer Elementary from kindergarten through fifth grade, where she formed strong connections with many students and staff. Describing herself as “very empathetic”, she says she is always willing to consider problems from multiple perspectives.
At Jefferson, Doria has participated in orchestra, STEM Day and the school musical. Outside of school, she volunteers as a dog sitter, contributed to a spring clothing drive for Omega Psi Phi and plays community volleyball.
Jefferson ELA teacher Carolyn Pakeltis said November Doria stands out for her thoughtfulness, academic contributions and respect for others. Pakeltis describes her as a dedicated and motivated student who possesses the skills needed to be a successful student school board representative.
“November is a well-spoken and knowledgeable individual. She is more than willing to volunteer her insights in any class discussion,” said Pakeltis. “Her points are expressed clearly with examples and details given to help support her ideas to her classmates. She listens intently to others’ ideas and offers supportive feedback.”
Lily Castaldi
Lily attended Westmore Elementary, starting in kindergarten, and is now an eighth-grader at Jackson Middle School. She describes herself as “kind and respectful” and strives to “listen to the thoughts and opinions of others.” At Jackson, Castaldi participates in theater, choir and peer buddies, and serves as a student ambassador.
Jackson science teacher Krista DePasquale described Lily as well-organized, considerate of others and ready to handle any challenge. “It is clear from her activities that she has pride in her school and loves being part of our Jackson Community.”
Launched in 2024, the District 45 student board representative program is designed to elevate student voice within the Board of Education and involve students more directly in the district’s vision and planning.
Student board representatives represent their classmates at Board of Education meetings. While they do not vote, student board representatives provide valuable insights into student life in District 45. They share their school experiences, including what motivates them, the challenges they face and the successes they achieve.
Eighth graders may apply for the position during the spring of their seventh-grade year. Applications are usually available in April in the middle school main offices. The application outlines details about the role and expectations.
All students who submit a complete application with the required materials are interviewed, and two are selected to serve as student representatives to the Board of Education.
GET TO KNOW YOUR STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVES
Lily Castaldi
Favorite book, movie, or TV show right now: My favorite book is Out of My Heart by Sharon M. Draper.
If I could instantly become really good at any skill: I would probably choose to be instantly good at more athletic activities.
In my free time: I enjoy acting, singing, drawing, and hanging out with friends and family.
Who I look up to as a role model, and why: My mom and dad. I look up to them because they support me through everything I decide to endure and I am so thankful for that. Not only do they support me but they help along the way when I get discouraged or lose hope about anything. I am so grateful for everything they help and support me with!
Something at school this year that I’m especially proud of: Being selected as a student board representative.
Favorite academic class this year: Science.
A teacher or staff member who has made a big difference for me: Too many to list but most notably Mr. Ritt, Mr. Byrd, Mr. Puc, and Mrs. DePasquale.
My favorite school activities outside of class: Theatre and choir.
One goal I’ve set for myself this year: Continuing to have 4.0 GPA for most of the year.
If I could give advice to incoming 6th graders, I would say: Get your work done when it’s due and try not to have much late work. It will be a LOT easier and less stressful if you get it done when it’s due instead of trying to get it done late while balancing other work on top of it.
When I get older, I would like to: be a second-grade teacher or an actor.
November Doria
Favorite book, movie, or TV show right now: My favorite TV show right now is Gilmore Girls.
If I could instantly become really good at any skill: I’d choose to have the ability to understand and speak every language.
In my free time: I practice cello, I write, and I love to spend time with friends and family.
Who I look up to as a role model, and why: One of my biggest role models is Kamala Harris. I’ve always aspired to be a law student and to use my strong decision-making skills to help people and seek fairness.
Something at school this year that I’m especially proud of: I got out of my comfort zone and went out for the musical, and I’m proud that I made countless new friends.
Favorite academic class this year: After being in 8th grade for just one month, my favorite academic class so far this year is math.
A teacher or staff member who has made a big difference for me: My ELA teacher, Ms. Schmit, this year helped me establish a strong work ethic without making it overwhelming. Also, for the first time, I’m starting to enjoy math with Mrs. Kocimski.
My favorite school activities outside of class: Orchestra, volleyball, and the musical.
One goal I’ve set for myself this year: I plan to practice academic skills that I struggle with.
If I could give advice to incoming 6th graders, I would say: Don’t stress out about schoolwork, no matter how much of it you receive. Even though at the moment it might seem impossible, the teachers wouldn’t give you anything you can’t handle.
When I get older, I would like to: Get into law, or my second option for a career path is to become a nurse.