Student Puts His Education to Work for PUSD Board

Let's just go down the list.

He's a member of the National Honor Society.

He's president of the MEChA program.

He's an AVID historian.

He's a peer counselor and tutor.

He a part of the track and field team and a cross country runner.

And now, Poway High School junior Gustavo Lopez is a Poway Unified School District 2011-12 school board member.

At just 17, the Titan competed among nine applicants for the gig to represent 34,000 students at the board level alongside five elected trustees.

Lopez—who replaces Victoria Wu who graduates from Westview High School on Monday after serving as the district's first student board member—was chosen unanimously by a committee that consisted of board President Penny Ranftle, Vice President Linda Vanderveen and Wu.

“He will be an outstanding addition to the board. We are delighted with his selection and very much look forward to working with him," Ranflte said.

But his hefty resume is just one thing to be impressed with.

According to Superintendent John Collins, Lopez has overcome many obstacles.

“Seven years ago, Gustavo had to learn a new language in a new country that is now his home," he said. "This was a huge obstacle for him; however, he told us that through the support of his ELL and AVID teachers it is now possible for him to succeed and take classes ranging from AP Psychology to Honors Algebra 3-4."

Lopez will join the board for his first meeting on Aug. 15. The board added a student seat last school year. The student board member has preferential voting privileges under California Education Code Section 35012.

As he prepares to close out his junior year at PHS and transition into his new role, Lopez took some time to answer questions from Patch.

Patch: Why did you apply to be a PUSD student board member?

Gustavo Lopez: I applied to the PUSD student board member position because I wanted to help our district more, and this position would allow me too. Also because I am passionate about my schools and how much they have offered me.

Patch: What are your three main goals for the 2011-12 school year?

Lopez: My goals are to be accepted to the university of my dreams, and by that I have to work two times harder than this year. Also to receive scholarships to be able to pay tuition.

Patch: What are your goals/plans post-high school?

Lopez: After graduation I plan to pursue a double major in architecture and accounting in Syracuse University, with a minor in Spanish or photography. After I obtain my bachelor's I will like to apply to graduate school and get a master's.