Meet the students shaping local school decisions next year

The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board have named their student trustees for 2026-27.

Three students have been elected as student trustees for the 2026–2027 school year with the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board.

Darren Fernandes, a Grade 11 student at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Kingston, will represent the eastern region. Josephine Boyce, a Grade 10 student at St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School in Belleville, will represent the western region. Tess Shakell, a Grade 10 student at Nicholson Catholic College in Belleville, will serve as the Indigenous student trustee.

Student trustees are elected by their peers and represent both elementary and secondary students. They attend board and committee meetings and help share student voices in decision-making. They also represent the board at the Ontario Student Trustees' Association.

“On behalf of the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, I want to warmly welcome Darren, Josephine, and Tess as our Student Trustees for 2026/2027,” said Carey Smith-Dewey, Director of Education.

“Your leadership, insight, and commitment to student voice are essential in Catholic education as we continue to build safe, welcoming, and inclusive school communities.”

Story by Emily Chatwood