Photo via screenshot Autumn Pupo, a Gowanda High School senior, is shown taking an oath as she was appointed as a student member of the Board of Education.

GOWANDA — A recent Board of Education meeting at Gowanda High School was missing a few members since the departure of Shauna McMahon and with the absences of member John Waterman and President Max Graham.

But what stood out most was a new face among the members, and what their presence meant to the district.

The Gowanda Board of Education appointed Autumn Pupo as a student member of the Board of Education at a recent meeting. Board of Education Vice President Dollene Christopher offered her congratulations and a round of applause followed Pupo’s official oath.

Gowanda Superintendent Dr. Robert Anderson said as he addressed Pupo, “Congratulations and welcome. I look forward to working with you.”

Pupo, a senior, is a standout runner at Gowanda High School, who recently finished in first place among female runners at a cross country meet against Franklinville/Ellicottville, Fredonia, and Maple Grove in Bemus Point earlier this season.

Gowanda shared the student member role between two students last school year, Madison Luder and Lani Farley. Upon their graduation, Pupo fills the seat in her senior year.

During her first meeting as a member of the board, Pupo shared that the senior class decided on an overnight trip with the funds raised over their years within the district. The option of an overnight trip was selected after a vote open to the entire senior class, which was held after multiple members of the senior class appeared before the Board of Education to speak out in favor of an overnight trip.

Pupo was appointed to the role of student board member during School Board Recognition Week as designated by the New York State School Boards Association. Anderson offered his gratitude for the board’s work with the district. “I want to share my appreciation with our board members for your dedication to our community and our students,” Anderson said. “… I appreciate all your hard work.”