South High junior named school board student representative

The Minneapolis Board of Education has announced South High School junior Mary Ghebremeskal will serve as its next Student Representative. She replaces outgoing Student Representative Nathaniel Genene from Washburn High School.
Thanking Genene for his service, MPS Board Chair Kim Ellison said, “Nathaniel’s leadership and perspective during this particularly consequential year will positively impact the district for years to come. We are grateful for his service, and we wish him the best in his studies next year at the University of Pennsylvania and beyond.”
Ghebremeskal leads at South with a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), and for serving her community – including at the Brian Coyle Teen Tech Center and on the Cedar Riverside COVID Response Team. With a deep understanding of the challenges that face youth during the pandemic, she said she wants to bring this perspective to the school board.
“In the same way that every student needs unique resources to succeed, every new problem MPS tackles will need a different solution. The reason I want to be a student representative is so I can be a part of that solution,” said Ghebremeskal.
South staff describe Ghebremeskal as a natural leader, a curious learner, and a proactive community volunteer.
South teacher Michelle Ockmann described her as “inventive, motivating, and inspiring.” She said, “Mary makes important connections that allow others to join the conversation and look at things differently. She will shine in this position.”
The Student Representative provides an important perspective and gives voice to those at the heart of the district’s work: MPS students. The Board of Education has appointed a student representative since 2015. To learn more, visit: board.mpls.k12.mn.us.