The Washington State Board of Education and the Association of Washington Student Leaders released a statement on Wednesday announcing W.F. West High School sophomore Castulo Gonzalez has been selected as the Western Washington student representative for the State Board of Education.
Gonzalez was selected by the Association of Washington Student Leaders and will join 14 other board members.
“We’re looking forward to hearing Castulo’s unique voice and ideas on the board,” said Bill Kallappa, state board of education chair. “He will be able to offer a perspective that is so valuable to the Board’s work in closing opportunity gaps and considering all students’ individual needs.”
According to a statement released by the Chehalis School District, the board is charged with “advocacy and oversight of Washington’s education system” and works to “ensure compliance with basic education, high school graduation requirements, accountability and improvement.”
When Gonzalez learned about the opportunity to serve on the board, he was motivated to join by his love of academics and problem solving.
“I am a driven and proud Chicano student,” Gonzalez said. “I am passionate about languages, dedicated to learning, and I dream of becoming an airline pilot or forester. I see this as an opportunity to be a voice for my people as well as others who can't get their voice out to people who can alter someone's future in certain ways.”
The Chehalis School District said in a news release high school staff were thrilled to learn of Castulo’s selection.
“Castulo's unique life experiences give him valuable perspective on current issues affecting students in education, and his strong advocacy abilities and growing leadership skills will help him put these experiences to use,” school counselor Libby Rakevich said. “I am excited the state board of education recognized Castulo's potential and I look forward to witnessing his continued growth through his appointment.”
When asked about Castulo’s character and qualifications for this work, W. F. West AVID and English teacher Chrissy Fralick shared, “Castulo is one of those kids that when he sets his mind to something, he goes for it 100%. He is determined to bring inclusivity to education and his passion for this shows in everything that he does for our school.”
Christine Voelker, an assistant principal at W.F. West High School, spoke about Gonzalez’s contributions to the school and his character.
"Castulo has taken initiative in several ways to be involved in supporting our school community this year,” Voelker said. “He shares the daily announcements in Spanish over the loudspeaker each week to represent our student population of Spanish speaking individuals. He is a positive young man who always has a smile on his face and a willingness to find ways to help. I believe he will be a valuable addition in the work to elevate student's voices in our state. We're proud he is a W.F. West High School Bearcat!"
Gonzalez said his passions are exploring the unknown and finding where feels belonging. He hopes to attend Central Washington University and be the first in his family to graduate from high school and attend a four-year university.
“I am a diverse character and I represent a certain demographic of people that aren’t represented or talked about often,” said Gonzalez. “I see this as an opportunity to be a voice for my people as well as others who can’t get their voice out to people who can alter someone’s future in certain ways.”
Gonzalez’s swearing-in is planned for the board’s June 27-29 meeting in Renton. He will then join senior member Donalda Brantley of Spokane as one of two voting student members of the State Board of Education.
Gonzalez will be honored by the Chehalis School District Board of Directors at their next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom and in person at the Chehalis School District board room, 310 SW 16th St.
