The room was quiet as the Swampscott School Committee meeting came to order. Papers rustled softly, laptop screens flickered on, and a row of familiar faces turned toward the long conference table. Among the principals and school officials sat someone new, a high school junior with a calm smile and a notebook open in front of her. Sasha Shadari adjusted her pen, took a steadying breath and waited for her turn to speak.

“It was definitely intimidating at first,” Sasha says, recalling that moment with a laugh. “But as the meeting went on, I realized they actually wanted to hear what I thought.”

Sasha and her fellow junior, Lia Beatrice, are this year’s student representatives to the Swampscott School Committee, acting as the link between the student body and the district’s decision-makers. Their work is to bring student perspectives to discussions that shape everything from curriculum changes to school culture, ensuring that the voices of their classmates don’t get lost in the shuffle of policies and planning.

But before they ever stepped into that conference room, both Sasha and Lia were already deeply woven into Swampscott High School’s everyday activities.

Sasha, a cheerleader known for her easy laugh and positive energy, spends her afternoons balancing schoolwork with practice, student clubs, and volunteering. She’s part of the Girls Group of Soccer that focuses on empowering women and building equality within the school.

“My parents and older sister have always been my role models,” Sasha said. “They’ve shown me what leadership looks like, and I try to bring that with me everywhere.”

Lia, on the other hand, channels her leadership through balance and ambition. Between Distributive Education Clubs of America competitions, Future Physicians of America meetings, and three seasons of sports in field hockey, indoor track and lacrosse, her schedule is full.

“I feel inspired by my mom,” Lia said. “I don’t really see many women having important roles in business, and seeing her work so hard makes me want to push myself and keep working hard in school so I can get there one day.”

When the two take their seats at the School Committee table, they’re treated not as bystanders but as contributors.

“At first, it felt like this big, serious space,” Sasha said. “But once I started talking, everyone was so kind. They congratulated me, shook my hand and they really made me feel like I belonged.”

Their insights often come directly from hallway conversations and class discussions. Sasha explained that being friends with students from different groups helps her understand a variety of opinions.

“Take the new Smart Pass system,” she said. “Some students like that it’s organized, others say it takes too long. I will make sure to communicate with both sides.”

Lia nodded in agreement.

“We try to stay neutral, we’re not just giving our opinions,” she said.  “Being a student rep is about representing everyone, not just yourself,” she says. “It’s about making sure every student feels heard.” she adds.

Beyond the daily happenings at school, both are passionate about strengthening the school’s sense of community. Sasha pointed to Swampscott High’s Instagram page, a hub for photos and announcements, as a small but meaningful way to keep students and parents connected.

“It’s a nice way for families to see what’s happening, even if their kids don’t say much about school,” she said.

Lia added that this year’s new administration has made the experience even more interesting.

“There’s a lot of change happening,” she said. “It’s exciting to see ideas forming and to be part of the conversations that make them real.”

The two complement each other: when one can’t make a meeting, the other steps in. They exchange notes, brainstorm ideas, and make sure every student voice is accounted for.

“We speak for each other,” Sasha said. “It’s made our friendship stronger, too.”

Of course, balancing academics, athletics, and leadership isn’t easy, but both agree that the responsibility is worth it. Lia said that the fact their feedback is able to contribute to change “feels meaningful.”

“The most rewarding part was just being selected,” Sasha said. “It showed me that people trust me to represent them.”

Being a student representative, they’ve learned, isn’t about sitting quietly through long meetings. Instead, it’s about listening deeply, speaking thoughtfully, and understanding how many small voices can shape one big community.

“I’ve learned so much about how schools actually run,” Lia said. “It gives you a new appreciation for everything teachers and administrators do.”

As they continue their term, both Sasha and Lia said they’re still learning how meetings run, how decisions unfold, and how to speak up with confidence. But they’ve also seen the impact of student voices in real time.

“We’re just two students,” Lia said, “but it’s nice to know our voices can make a difference.”