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Student Delegate Program

Student Delegate Program

The Student Delegate Program empowers students across Hernando County to participate in authentic civic engagement by helping select the Senior Student Representative to the School Board. Hernando County is one of the few districts in Florida that includes a standing Student Representative agenda item in its board proceedings, ensuring student perspectives are heard at the highest level of district decision-making.   

Each year, student delegates are selected from every elementary, middle, K8, and high school. Delegates share ideas from their schools, participate in districtwide conversations, and ultimately cast their school’s vote in the annual mock election. A leveled voting system is used to ensure equal representation among school levels, much like an electoral college. Elementary schools receive one vote, middle schools receive two votes, and high schools receive three votes. K8 schools receive three votes because they function as both an elementary and middle school.

Role of the Student Representative to the School Board 

While the Student Representative participates in School Board meetings, the student does not have voting power and does not take part in official board decisions.

At each School Board meeting, the Student Representative provides a districtwide student update, sharing important events, initiatives, and celebrations gathered from schools across Hernando County. These updates are informed by ongoing collaboration with delegates and student leaders at every school.  

This ensures that student voices remain central to district conversations, even without a formal vote. The Student Representative to the School Board is also responsible for planning and leading quarterly student delegate meetings, with a focus on leadership development and collaboration across all schools.  

The Campaign Trail

High school seniors who wish to become the Student Representative participate in a structured campaign process involving: 

  • Gaining parental and administrative support through a comprehensive application process
  • Completing an orientation course, including a School Board meeting observation and reflection activity
  • Submitting biographies and campaign videos through Canvas 
  • Preparing a three-minute campaign speech outlining their goals 
  • Meeting with elementary, middle, and K8 delegates and advisors 

This experience teaches real-world civic and leadership skills, including public speaking, platform development, and constituent engagement.

 

Election Day

The election takes place at the Hernando County School District Office, where student delegates gather for a formal event. On Election Day: 

  • Senior candidates present their campaign videos and deliver an additional speech 

  • At the conclusion of the event, the winning senior is announced as the Student Representative to the School Board for the upcoming year.  

  • The Hernando County Supervisor of Elections oversees an authentic voting process using official booths, ballots, and secure vote tallying  

  • The Superintendent and School Board members speak about leadership and civic duty 

  • Delegates ask questions and discuss candidates’ ideas 

 

After the Election

The Student Representative begins service only after completing a family visit with the Superintendent, Director of Communications, and other district staff. 

High school delegates who are not elected continue to play an essential leadership role by: 

  • Collecting important school updates and submitting reports to the Student Representative before each board meeting 

  • Helping plan and lead quarterly districtwide student delegate events and gatherings, as well as presenting at the annual Hernando Grown student conference 

  • Attend the Hernando County Education Foundation’s monthly meetings, representing student voice in community and district partnership discussions and ensuring student perspectives help shape future initiatives 

 

A young woman with long blonde hair smiles in an office, wearing a white blazer and a name tag that reads "Chrisandra Rogers, Voting Candidate".

Chrisandra Rogers

2026 Student Delegate

 

Five young people stand together smiling in a meeting room with flags and a sign reading 'Hernando School District'.

A large group of students and adults pose together indoors for a photo in front of flags and a sign.

Current and Former Student Representatives

These students were elected by delegates from across the district and served as the official student liaison to the Hernando County School Board. 

  • 2026-CURRENT: Chrisandra Rogers SHS

  • 2025: Jaserah Abdul‑Rahim SHS 

  • 2024: Santiago Pinkney SHS 

  • 2023: Rylee Rhineberger WWHS 

  • 2022: Gina Doherty NCTHS 

  • 2021: Brooke Culp NCTHS 

  • 2020: Charlize Soares SHS 

  • 2019: Sophia Torres HHS 

  • 2018: Ryan Bradley SHS 

  • 2017: Joseph Masotti SHS 

  • 2016: Allison Selg NCTHS 

  • 2015: Clay Everett HHS 

  • 2013: Sean Chapman SHS 

  • 2012: Tori Selby SHS