Meet the 2025-26 Onondaga Board of Education Student Representatives

Junior Abigael Freyer and senior Maxwell Brown represent OCS students this year as Board of Education student members. Learn more about them and their involvement: 
 

How did you get involved with the Student Board? 

Abigael: I got involved after we had an assembly toward the end of last year. I’ve been pretty active in staying involved with the school, and I enjoy learning things and helping where I can. So, I thought this would be a good opportunity. 

Maxwell: I got involved in the Student Board because my dad is on the Board of Education. I think I have a very good voice and opinion that should be heard, and I want to help my peers’ voices be heard. I’ve been around the Board before because my Aunt was involved for many years, and my dad just got involved a couple of years ago. 

What is your favorite part of being a Student Board member? 

Abigael: I enjoy participating in the Board meetings and sharing my thoughts as well as hearing everybody else’s. 

Maxwell: My favorite part is knowing what’s happening in the community and understanding what the Board does. They genuinely help us out a lot, and they do it all for free, so kudos to them. 

How do you bring other students’ voices to the Board? 

Abigael: I talk to the other students. I ask for their opinions and ensure they are returned to the adults who vote on things, so they can also share their two cents without being there. 

Maxwell: Students approach me all throughout the school day, just telling me their opinions and how they feel. I take all that and make sure everybody’s voice is heard in the right way. 

How do you think this role helps shape your future? 

Abigael: It helps give me a taste of a leadership position in one way or another. It helps with compromising skills so that everybody’s happy while making sure things are done in a controlled manner. 

Maxwell: After I graduate from high school, I want to study to be a lawyer. I think being a member of the Student Board could help me shape my future. It also shows a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff that happens throughout school and in life. I’ve gained skills, including learning how to be a leader. People look up to me for their voices to be heard, which helps my leadership grow. 

Do you have any advice for other students looking to grow their leadership skills? 

Abigael: Keep an open mind. Be ready to listen to all kinds of perspectives, even if you don’t agree with them yourself. Everyone has an important opinion. 

Maxwell: Lead by example. If you see someone not doing the right thing, don’t follow them to try to make yourself look cool. Be on your own path and lead other kids the right way. 

What other activities do you participate in at OCS? 

Abigael: I participate in volleyball, softball, our school’s theatre production, robotics, art club and Junior Honor Society. 

Maxwell: I’m a four-sport varsity athlete. I play basketball, baseball, and football, and I throw for track. I do a lot of stuff around my community to help out. My head football coach is also a youth coach, and I go to some of his practices and games to help the youth. I love helping the youth because they are our future.