A South Whidbey student was chosen to lead student representatives across the state.

Carter McKnight, a junior at South Whidbey High School, was recently elected president of the Washington State School Directors’ Association Student Representatives Network.

The association, also known as WSSDA, is an organization focused on supporting school leaders in leading with success by offering resources and events for leadership development, legislative advocacy and policy and legal compliance, according to its website.

The Student Representatives Network connects student board representatives to discuss challenges and solutions pertaining to K-12 education in the state.

McKnight will serve as president until the end of his term in Fall 2025. Until then, he will meet monthly with student representatives and WSSDA leaders over zoom, talking about what can cha

Some of the issues he hopes to tackle include the lack of student involvement in the decision-making process in many districts around the state, the need to increase funding for education to rely less on bonds and levies and some districts’ push to ban transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports.

As a student representative, McKnight is a familiar face at the school board meetings, sharing updates and feedback from the student community. On top of that, he said, he is allowed to cast an advisory vote.

The role has taught him valuable leadership and public speaking skills, continuing to foster his passion for politics and advocacy — interests he intends to pursue after graduation.

“I’m really excited to advocate on behalf of all students and some positive change in the state,” he said.

Superintendent Jo Moccia and Board President Brook Willeford said they are very proud of McKnight and his commitment to uplifting student voices in the district and across the state.