In her role as representative working alongside of Ripon Unified’s elected leaders, Claire Wever will soon have a chance to reflect the student sentiment regarding issues to the school board.

She was elected by the Ripon High student body to serve as a non-voting member of the board.

Wever, who was the sophomore class vice president, was administered the oath of office last week by school board President Ernie Tyhurst.

She takes over from Eleanor Waters.

“I had a real good year,” Waters said upon receiving recognition for her service as the student board member. “My sister (Ruth Waters) held this post and she told me what a great experience it was for her – I learned a lot during this past year.”

The post was created in 2008 on the urging of ASB President Michael Merchant.

Trustees, in turn, approved the additional board member position to give students some power in the process of shaping their education.

As a sitting member, they can’t register formal votes but are entitled to cast preferential votes along with providing input or questioning policy just like any regular board member.

Michelle Ambrose was the first-ever to hold the post.