FARMINGTON—The Board of Education has two new faces on the Dias. Brieanna Mason and Joshua Barrera will be serving as student board members for the 2023/2024 school year. Mason, a Woods Cross senior and Barrera a senior at Clearfield High will represent the students in the district and share their ideas from a youth perspective.

“My principal called me into the office and she’d looked at the position and said she thought I should do it,” said Mason. “I thought it would be a great thing to do. I wanted to learn more about how they pass laws and I thought it would be a good experience to go through even though I can’t vote.”

“My older brother did a lot of service and I thought it would be something good,” said Barrera. “He was a vice president in the National Honor Society and was an SBO and in debate. He always wanted to serve others.”

Both students are very involved in their schools. “I’m vice president of the National Honor Society,” said Barrera. “I’m also on the LIA (Latino In Action) service committee. I help plan service activities.”

“I enjoy science classes,” said Mason. “I’m in an AP class that’s really fun. I want to get a job in pharmaceuticals so I’m at the Catalyst in the Pharmacy Tech program. When I get done I’ll have a license.”

The program is amazing, she said. “I have an actual pharmacy tech as my teacher. It will give me a really good opportunity for education in college where I can take more classes. I’d like to be a pharmacist. It’s great. I love it.”

Barrera is the fourth of eight children. “It’s pretty fun to have a big family,” he said. “We play games together and my brothers and sisters talk.”

Mason said she’s danced for 14 years. “Ballroom dancing is my favorite so far,” she said. “Dancing with a partner is completely different than what I’ve done before. It’s a nice change of pace.”

All of the board members have been so nice, said Mason. “It’s going to be a good experience. I’m excited for it.”

“My goal is to see students be more social,” said Barrera. “Especially those who aren’t involved around school. I want them to have a sense of belonging and inclusion.”

Barrera said as he’s been serving a little spark went off. “I knew there was something big I should do, not only for others but myself. I enjoy learning about problems and finding solutions.”