Riverside Unified Student Board Members Take Oath of Office for 2026-27 School Year

Riverside Unified School District’s (RUSD) three Student Board Members for the 2026-27 school year took the Oath of Office at the RUSD Board of Education meeting on Aug. 27.

Riverside STEM Academy’s Leah Blanford and Seoyool Kim and Riverside Polytechnic High School’s Kelsey Troast will each serve a designated term as a Student Board Member in RUSD, providing a student perspective on school culture, student experiences, and districtwide priorities during Board meetings. 

Blanford will serve the first term, from Aug. 27 through October. Troast will serve the second term from November through February, followed by Kim, who will serve the third term from March through May.

“Our responsibility is not only to prepare students to lead in the future, but also to create opportunities for them to lead today,” Superintendent Dr. Sonia Llamas said. “Leah, Kelsey, and Seoyool have stepped forward with courage, curiosity, and a commitment to serve their peers. Through this experience, they will strengthen their voices, deepen their understanding of public service, and see how thoughtful leadership can turn ideas into meaningful change. I am excited to support them, learn from them, and watch each of them continue to be extraordinary!”

Blanford, a senior, has served as vice president for Riverside STEM Academy’s Associate Student Body (ASB) and Connecting Ambitious Kids To Engineering and Science (CAKTES) club, as well as president of the Speech and Debate team. Outside of school, she co-chairs Assisteens, a volunteer organization that helps children in need of food, clothing, and more. She plans to attend New York University and major in public policy. 

Troast participates in Riverside Poly’s ASB, Link Crew, and National Honor Society programs. She has also served as a Career Technical Education representative for the school’s photography pathway and plays varsity tennis for the Bears. The senior enjoys attending community events and volunteering with after-school programs, where she mentors younger students.

Kim, a junior, serves as president of her school’s Asian Student Union, participates in Science Olympiad, and has taken part in theater since fifth grade. Her passion for environmental health has led her to serve as head of the Environmental Committee on the Youth Advisory Council. After graduation, she plans to study environmental chemistry at a four-year university.

“Giving students a seat at the table is one of the ways we ensure our schools continue to grow with the needs of our community,” Board President Dr. Noemi Hernandez Alexander said. “We have seen so many extraordinary Student Trustees give of their time, effort, and passion through this role, and I have no doubt Leah, Seoyool, and Kelsey will leave their own legacy on our Board and throughout our district.”