South El Monte High School student leaders will play a central role in advancing student voice across the El Monte Union High School District in 2024-25. Ashley Vu, a rising senior, has been elected as the Senior Student Board Member and will serve as President of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC). Tessa Ocegueda, a rising junior, has been appointed as the District’s first Junior Student Board Member and will serve as Council Vice President.

The announcement came during the SAC’s final meeting of the 2024-25 school year, held on May 19. It was the first time the District formally named a Junior Student Board Member—a move designed to strengthen continuity in student leadership and ensure younger voices are represented in districtwide conversations.

South El Monte Student Leaders Step Up to Serve

Vu and Ocegueda’s appointments mark a notable moment for South El Monte High School, whose students have consistently taken an active role in district governance and community leadership. Vu, who served on the SAC this past year, was praised by advisors and peers for her thoughtful input and ability to bring together diverse perspectives. She will now represent students at public meetings of the Board of Trustees and lead SAC meetings throughout the school year.

Ocegueda’s selection as Vice President and Junior Board Member reflects the District’s growing investment in student development. As a rising junior, she will help shape agendas, facilitate student engagement, and work alongside Vu to communicate SAC priorities to the Board.

Both students were formally recognized alongside outgoing SAC President Andrea Pablo. A photo from the meeting captured the leadership transition, with Pablo pictured at left, Vu at right, and Ocegueda in the middle—symbolizing the bridge between past and future student leadership.

A Growing Platform for Student Voice

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, established to enhance student input in district decision-making, is composed of representatives from each El Monte Union high school. Students meet regularly with Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga and district staff to share feedback and advocate on behalf of their peers.

The elevation of both a senior and junior member to board-facing roles signals a deeper commitment to student inclusion. The dual-board-member model is designed to build leadership capacity early and support long-term planning across school years.

Looking to the Year Ahead

As South El Monte student leaders step into their new roles, they will guide the Council through a year expected to focus on student wellness, equity, and academic support. Vu and Ocegueda will play a key role in setting priorities and ensuring student concerns are represented at the highest levels of district leadership.

Their leadership reflects the talent and dedication of South El Monte High School students and underscores the District’s ongoing commitment to student voice.

The future looks bright for the 2024-25 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council—and it begins with South El Monte student leaders at the helm.