Casco Bay High School students on Nov. 4 elected junior Sophie
VanDerburgh to be the school’s new representative to the Portland Board
of Public Education.
VanDerburgh had already been serving on the
board as CBHS’ interim representative since mid-October. At that time,
VanDerburgh replaced student Eliza D’Anieri, who stepped down because of
a conflict between board meeting times and a college class.
On
Election Day, VanDerburgh was among five juniors on the ballot and
willing to serve. The other candidates were Declan Attaway-Murphy;
Curtis Brown; Sadie Grant; and Marta Haydym.
VanDerburgh was elected to a one-year term. Her candidate statement is as follows:
“I
feel really honored to have been able to fill the interim position for
Eliza since September. I really enjoyed the meetings I went to, and I
feel comfortable around the other board members to speak to them about
what our students and faculty are experiencing. I will respectfully and
honestly speak on behalf of the Casco Bay community. I have a lot of
passion for Casco Bay and the intelligent people who fill the halls and
inspire me everyday. I will listen to all opinions, and inform myself so
I can accurately represent the diversity of our student body and
everyone’s unique opinion. I would be honored to represent our school,
and I fully believe I am capable of continuing representing our school
for a full position. I am a dedicated leader who will advocate and speak
for the students and faculty of CBHS in an eloquent and respectful
manner that will help the Portland Public Schools make decisions that
will benefit our school’s community greatly.”

Sophie VanDerburgh