As Croton-Harmon High School’s Student Ex Officio Member of the Board of Education, senior Filomena “Fil” DiMarco takes her role as a student representative seriously. When the Board sought input on the school’s phone policy, Fil gathered feedback from classmates, met with Policy Committee Chair Neal Haber to understand the policy in depth, reviewed the document herself, and shared a balanced perspective that reflected how student opinions had shifted—from initial frustration to understanding and acceptance. Her thoughtful approach demonstrated exactly what the Student Ex Officio role is designed to do: bring authentic student insight into the heart of district decision-making.

This year, a new New York State law requires that every school district include a student member on its Board of Education. The legislation was introduced to ensure that students—those most directly impacted by the decisions made in schools—have an opportunity to share their perspectives on key issues.

In Croton-Harmon, however, this is not a new idea but a long-standing tradition. The district has welcomed a Student Ex Officio Member to its Board for the past five years, reflecting its deep commitment to student engagement, collaboration, and civic learning. The role is non-voting but highly influential, giving students a seat at the table and a voice in conversations that shape the educational experience of their peers.

This year’s student representative, Filomena “Fil” DiMarco, a Croton-Harmon High School senior, embodies the purpose and promise of that tradition. She learned about the Student Ex Officio position through Student-Faculty Congress and was immediately interested in the opportunity to bridge the worlds of students and district leadership.

“I attend board meetings as a student liaison, where I voice my opinions or concerns and those of my classmates,” Fil explained. “I also provide updates on Congress discussions and projects, and then bring back to my peers what’s being talked about at the board level. I love that I get to be the connecting point between students and the board.”

Board of Education President Ana Teague says Fil’s participation continues a legacy of thoughtful, engaged student representatives whose input has enriched the board’s understanding of student life. “Our student ex officio members remind us who we’re ultimately here for,” Teague said. “Their perspectives bring real insight to our discussions. Fil, like those before her, represents the voice of our students with thoughtfulness and purpose, and we’re so grateful for her contributions. Having a student at the table truly strengthens our work as a board.”

Fil’s ability to listen deeply and connect meaningfully with her peers makes her a natural in the role. “I genuinely love talking to people,” she said. “That’s why I thrive in this position. I’m involved in a lot of different clubs and sports, and people feel comfortable coming up to me to share their thoughts. It gives me a good sense of what’s important to my classmates.”

Superintendent Steve Walker says: “Filomena brings great curiosity, insight, and care to everything she does. She’s not only dedicated to her own learning but also to understanding the perspectives of others. That openness and engagement reflect the very best of what we want our students to gain from their Croton-Harmon experience.”

Outside her work with the Board, Fil keeps a full schedule that reflects her wide-ranging interests and values. She plays sports, participates in clubs, teaches fifth graders about her Catholic faith as a CCD instructor at Holy Name of Mary Church, and expresses her creativity through ceramics. “Ceramics has taught me patience and persistence,” she said. “My work focuses on human anatomy and how we can express emotion through form. It’s one of my favorite outlets.”

She credits her older sister as a significant influence and role model. “She’s level-headed and logical, even in emotional situations,” Fil said. “I really admire that about her. I’ve learned so much about staying grounded and handling challenges with perspective.”

Now entering her final year of high school, Fil is savoring each experience—from cheering at games to preparing for prom and graduation. She plans to attend college next year, with SUNY Binghamton currently at the top of her list. “I’m interested in political science, but I’m keeping an open mind,” she said. “I just want to keep learning and growing.”

Grateful for the chance to represent her peers, Fil sees her role as both an honor and a responsibility. “I love being involved in things where I can have a real and positive impact,” she said. “This position gives me that opportunity, and I’m so thankful to work alongside such dedicated and inspiring board members.”