Huntley Community School District 158 is proud to announce the appointment of two student advisory representatives to the Board of Education for the 2025–26 school year and beyond. The student leaders will serve as the voice of their peers and other students across the district, offering valuable insight and perspectives to the board and administration to help guide district decisions and initiatives.

The newly selected representatives – Huntley High School senior Nikolas Knanishu and junior  Emma Jorgensen – will attend board meetings, participate in discussions, and provide regular updates on student experiences and school culture, but will not be voting members of the board.  

Superintendent Jessica Lombard said she has envisioned having students involved in board leadership for a number of years and is excited to see the idea come to fruition, especially this year with the launch of the district’s new strategic plan. 

“Student participation highlights our district’s strong commitment to empowering student voice, leadership, and shared governance,” said Lombard. “We’re excited to welcome Niko and Emma to our board meetings and to learn directly from their perspectives and experiences. Their involvement will strengthen our connection to students and help ensure our board and administration remain focused on what matters most – creating the best possible experience for all students.”

The student advisory representatives were selected by the Board of Education following an application and interview process. The advisory positions were open to HHS juniors and seniors and seven applications were received. It is expected that interest will grow as students see the impact the role can have. 

"Becoming a student advisory representative has been a long-held dream of mine,” said Niko Knanishu. “Being selected for this position represents our district's commitment to amplify student voices and involve students in important discussions. I am excited to connect with all students in Huntley 158 and represent their perspectives to our Board of Education." 

Knanishu currently serves as Huntley High School’s student council president, a Link Crew commissioner and a Raider Nation leader. During the 2024-25 school year, he co-authored an article for the Illinois Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ILASCD) with Superintendent Lombard and served on the Huntley 2030: Building Tomorrow Together strategic plan guiding team. He is an Eagle Scout and a board member and webmaster for the North Central District of Illinois Student Councils. 

Emma Jorgensen said, "I applied to become a student advisory representative because I believe in the importance of student voice and taking action for what you believe in. I am very grateful for being selected and now being able to ensure all students are heard and represented." 

Jorgensen is a member of the National Honor Society and part of Huntley High School’s Global Academy. She is also on the track and cross country teams and participates in winter and summer running camp training. She has served on the Fox Valley Conference Youth Advisory Committee and was a counselor for Huntley Park District’s summer camp. 

Knanishu will serve a one-year term while Jorgensen will serve a two-year term. All future student advisory representatives will serve two-year terms. 

“We look forward to working alongside these outstanding students,” said Huntley 158 Board President Paul Troy. “Their perspectives are invaluable as we discuss issues and make decisions that affect all learners. We look forward to hearing their ideas, questions, and insights as they help us better understand the student experience.”