By Bryce Reedy
The Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) is pleased to announce the selection of an outstanding group of student leaders to join the 2025 Student Leadership Planning Team.
Planning Team members will play a crucial role in designing and leading the Student Leadership Academy program during CASB’s Annual Convention, taking place December 11- 13, 2025 at the Broadmoor hotel in Colorado Springs.
The Student Leadership Planning Team provides students with the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, collaborate with their peers, and make a tangible impact on the future of public education in Colorado. Chosen from a competitive pool of applicants, the selected students were recognized for their dedication to service, creativity, teamwork, and passion for positive change.
“CASB’s Student Leadership Academy is Colorado’s premier student program, where students come together to develop skills in advocacy, communication, and school board engagement, said Leslie Bogar, CASB’s Deputy Executive Director. “The program is led by our Student Leadership Planning Team—students who invest their time, creativity, and collaborative spirit into shaping and delivering this impactful experience. Designed by students, for students, the Academy reflects the vision and leadership of those selected as CASB Student Leaders.”
The students selected for the 2025 team are:
- Aidan Gallegos – Harrison High School
- Anna Johann – Lyons Middle Senior High School
- Annabelle Rusco – Roosevelt High School
- Gavin Schafer – Harrison High School
- Iris Alderete Garcia – Snowy Peaks High School
- Lucas Adaro-Martin – Snowy Peaks High School
- Mark Durden – Legend High School
- Rachael Woodard – Brighton High School
- Sophia Rodriguez – Valley High School
- Trevor Leidig – Thompson Valley High School
The 2025 planning team held their first meeting on April 29, 2025 and will start meeting biweekly in August to organize this year’s Student Leadership Academy.
CASB’s Student Leadership Academy is a statewide interactive leadership conference for high school leaders. The Academy is open to all students in grades 9-12 and typically sees over 150 students in attendance.
For more information about the 2025 Student Leadership Planning Team, please contact Mikayla Unruh at munruh@casb.org or via phone at 303-302-3801.
Bryce Reedy is Communications Specialist, Colorado Association of School Boards.