Five new Manteca Unified student board members have been sworn in for the 2020-2021 school year.

Each were selected by students at their respective comprehensive high school to serve as the voice of the student body on the district board level.

They are Arveen Birdi, Sierra High; Joey Sanchis, Lathrop High; Alejandra Arevalo-Mercado, Weston Ranch High; Sydnee Navarro, Manteca High; and Sean Michael Marsh, East Union High.

Birdi is a junior currently serving as Sierra High’s Associated Student Body President. She served as class president her freshman year.

“Being a part of several academic and community programs has helped strengthen my confidence and fostered an eagerness to always get involved,” Birdi said. “I am a huge advocate for youth involvement at both the school and community levels, and promote the importance of spreading positivity.”

Sanchis, a Lathrop High senior, serves as the Spartans’ ASB President.

“Throughout my high school experience, I tried my best to stay involved in activities from clubs to sports in order to make the most out of my time at Lathrop High and create a culture where people love coming to school every day and look forward to all the amazing activities and events,” Sanchis said. “Even when students are not on campus, there are still so many opportunities to bring positivity to students’ lives.”

Arevalo-Mercado is serving her second term as a student board member She is also the Weston Ranch ASB President and an active member of the school’s FFA chapter

“After high school I would love to attend Fresno State and study Pre-Veterinary Science or Political Science,” Arevalo-Mercado noted. “ As a senior, I am very excited to see what kind of positive impact I leave behind at my school.”

Navarro is a Manteca High senior service as her school’s ASB Vice President.

“I am active on campus as a member of the volleyball team, leadership class, and numerous clubs,” she noted. “Outside of school, I am serving my second year as Miss Manteca, and I enjoy volunteering with local organizations throughout our city. This year, I strive to continue Manteca High’s Tradition of Excellence while celebrating its 100-year anniversary.”

Marsh is an East Union High student.

“The Manteca Unified School District has been central to my academic life, starting at George McParland Elementary and promoting to East Union,” Marsh said. “ As a result, I am heavily invested in Manteca Unified’s continued success. I hope that even in these turbulent times, I can help steer our schools towards more positive outcomes. My priorities are to maintain an effective academic and social environment during distance learning and ensure opportunities are available for students at all levels.”