Cashmere sophomore named student representative to State Board of Education

OLYMPIA — Riley Acheson, a sophomore at Cashmere High School, has been selected as the next student representative to the Washington State Board of Education, officials announced this week.

The appointment, jointly announced by the State Board and the Association of Washington Student Leaders, places Acheson in a role that helps shape education policy for more than one million students across the state.

“We look forward to welcoming Riley to the Board and having her voice included in our work,” said Bill Kallappa, Chair of the Washington State Board of Education. “The perspectives of our student board members are critical to the work this Board does and help ensure that we’re building an education system that works for all our students.”

Acheson said she pursued the role to ensure the voices of students—particularly those in her generation—are heard in decisions that shape the education system.

“I’m excited to advocate for an education that works for everyone,” she said. “All students deserve access to a learning system that meets their needs, desires, and goals.”

Acheson will assume the role following the departure of Castulo Gonzalez, a graduating senior at Capital High School in Olympia, whose term concludes at the end of June.

At Cashmere High School, Acheson is a member of the DECA club and National Honor Society. She also coaches and choreographs routines for the school’s middle and high school drill teams. Outside of school, she is involved in her church community and works as a camp counselor during the summer at Camas Meadows Bible Camp.

Acheson plans to attend Central Washington University and pursue a career in education.

Washington is one of only six states—and the District of Columbia—that allow students voting rights on their state boards of education. In addition to participating in board meetings, student representatives take part in community forums, school site visits, and outreach events hosted in collaboration with the Association of Washington Student Leaders.