Madison Messick, student member of the Kent County Board of Education, received a plaque and a certificate of recognition at her final meeting Monday, June 10. From left are board members Frank Rhodes and Aretha Dorsey, Vice President Francoise Sullivan, board member Trish McGee, Messick, Superintendent Dr. Karen Couch and President Joseph Goetz.
ROCK HALL — Now that Madison Messick has graduated from Kent County High School, she also has officially passed the torch as the student member of the Board of Education here.
Messick, who is attending the University of Maryland this fall, participated in her last meeting Monday, June 10 as the student member of the Kent County Board of Education.
While the meeting included lots of best wishes and fond farewells for Messick, there were also lots of welcoming statements for incoming student board member Alden Swanson.
"It's always sad to have to say goodbye to a student member of the board," Superintendent Dr. Karen Couch told Messick at the June 10 meeting. "We are cheering for you. We know you are going to do wonderful things."
Dr. Couch spoke about how Messick offered the student perspective on school issues first as a member of the Citizen Advisory Committee, then on the board member.
Dr. Couch said Messick gave her input with much grace and personified integrity.
Messick thanked Dr. Couch and the board members for the opportunity to serve with them for the 2023-24 term.
She said Dr. Couch and board member Trish McGee were both particular inspirations for her and showed her support throughout her time on the Citizen Advisory Committee and the board.
"I've learned so much from this experience," Messick said.
She then turned her attention to the future, wishing Swanson, who was in the audience at the June 10 meeting, the best as she joins the board officially next month.
"I know she'll do amazing," Messick said.
Outgoing student member of the Kent County Board of Education Madison Messick, left, welcomes the incoming student board member Alden Swanson Monday, June 10.
Swanson is a rising junior at Kent County High School. Her first official meeting as the student board member will be Monday, July 8.
"I am extremely excited for my coming term as the student member of the board," Swanson said.
Messick is not the only person departing the monthly Board of Education meetings. Dr. Couch is retiring at the end of the month.
Swanson said she is looking forward to working with the next superintendent, Dr. Mary Boswell-McComas, who starts July 1.
"Working with the rest of the board and especially Superintendent McComas to improve and evolve our schools will be an amazing experience," Swanson said. "I am looking forward to sharing the student voice with the board and the rest of the county, and I hope that my work as the student member of the board will have a positive impact on Kent County Public Schools."
Active in her school, Swanson is an assistant drum major in the band, a member of the Student Government Association and a captain of the cross-country team.
Her parents are Robbi Behr and Matthew Swanson, the illustrator and author, respectively, of a number of children’s picture and chapter books.
"I'm looking forward to you being on the board," Dr. Couch told Alden Swanson at the June 10 meeting. "I know you will do an amazing job."