GUELPH – While adults prepared to vote in the provincial election, students at the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) were casting their ballots to pick which student trustees would represent them next year.
Elisa Emini was selected as the student trustee to represent rural students and Wreighn Fetalcorin to represent urban students.
ELISA EMINI
Emini and Fetalcorin will serve as student trustees from Aug. 1 until July 31, 2026.
Current student trustees Hiba Mangat and Zechariah Nasir announced the incoming trustees during a UGDSB meeting on Feb. 25.
During that meeting, chair Ralf Mesenbrink said “the work of our past and current student trustees has been critical to bring student voice forward in many ways.”
Emini is a Grade 10 student at Erin District High School. In a statement submitted to the Advertiser, Emini expressed excitement about the opportunity.
“Stepping into this role is truly an honour, and I’m eager to contribute my leadership skills, organization and enthusiasm to make a meaningful impact,” she stated.
“As a student senator, I have developed strong leadership abilities, ensuring that I advocate for my peers while staying organized and goal-oriented.
WREIGHN FETALCORIN
“I believe in leading with kindness, intelligence, and a collaborative mindset, and I look forward to bringing that same energy to this position.”
Fetalcorin is a Grade 11 student at Guelph Collegiate Vocational institute. She’s part of her school’s Model UN and Link Crew, in which older students mentor and welcome new students.
As a first generation immigrant, Fetalcorin said she understands the struggles of not being heard and of not fitting in.
“True representation shows who you are and no matter what a student’s background this should not cause issues,” Fetalcorin wrote in a submitted statement.
“I will advocate for every student and want to be here to represent all of us. We all have a role in shaping the future of our schools.”
