MacArthur senior sees democracy in action

For the average student, they come to school, do their homework and probably participate in a few extra-curricular activities. But they likely don’t know all the behind-the-scenes work that goes on to create those opportunities.

Senior Grace Shin is getting a first-hand education in that. She is serving as one of two student liaisons to the Levittown Board of Education this year, representing MacArthur High School.

In that role, Shin attends school board business meetings, and updates the trustees on the happenings at MacArthur. She was elected by her peers late last year. “I thought this would be a nice experience and opportunity to learn more about politics,” she said. “I feel like the Board of Ed. is the epitome of democracy.”

Shin was born in Korea and moved to the United States when she was 5. She attended Abbey Lane Elementary School and Jonas Salk Middle School. At MacArthur, she is president of the National Honor Society and an officer in the Math Honor Society.

Board of Education members are themselves volunteers, so Shin fits right in. At a Buddhist temple in Hicksville, she tutors Korean-American children in math and science. She also teaches them how to read and write in Korean, and exposes them to the culture of their ancestors.

She also does peer tutoring at MacArthur, helping other students with their studies. Serving as the student liaison to the board, referred to as advisor to the superintendent, is just another act of volunteer service.

When she attended her first business meeting on Sept. 10 and saw a seat reserved for her with her nameplate in front, she was overwhelmed with joy. “Wow, I’m representing my school,” she recalled thinking.

In fact, she represents 1,315 MacArthur students, including many who live in North Wantagh and northern Seaford. “It’s an honor,” she said. “I’m really proud.”

Shin talks to her fellow students, school principal Kathleen Valentino and others to create a monthly report for the board. Her goal is to highlight different events happening at MacArthur, as well as student and athletic team achievements. This position, she said, has made her appreciated just how much happens at her school.

Academically, Shin enjoys math, science and history. She is taking computer science this year, and said that could be a possible major in college. Engineering and international business also intrigue the student who is now beginning to look at potential universities.

Over the summer, she spent four weeks at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in a women’s technology program, which focused on engineering. “We were all surrounded by strong women role models,” she said. “It was a really good experience for me.”

Shin is also a National Merit Scholar.

Valentino said Shin is a great representative for the school. Serving in that position takes confidence and conviction, the principal said, and Shin possesses those skills.

“She is an example of the many wonderful students that we have here,” Valentino said. “She was elected by the students, but she would have been elected by the faculty as well.”

Shin said she wants to be a voice for her fellow students. She is also is excited to learn about the inner workings of the school district. The Board of Education sets policies, determines the school budget and hires the superintendent. At her first meeting, Shin said it was interesting to hear the dialogue between district officials and the public.

Perhaps serving as a school board trustee is in her future. “It’s definitely something that interests me,” she said. “Who knows?”