JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – The Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education welcomed two new ex-officio members to their roles recently. Rising Jamestown High School seniors Lincoln Carpenter and Jarren Cotter will serve as student representatives to the board for the 2024-25 school year.

The students’ appointment comes by virtue of their role as public relations officers for the JHS Kappa Alpha Tau chapter of the National Honor Society. 

“It is important that students know that they have a voice with the Board of Education and I look forward to working with Lincoln and Jarren this school year,” said Paul Abbott, board president. “We have had a very successful six years working with students in this role and I hope the JHS student body continues to utilize this opportunity to engage with us in this way. I also hope their presence sends a message to all students that they are welcome at any BOE meeting because they are the reason we do what we do.” 

Lincoln Carpenter, the son of Jeffrey Carpenter and Krista Leone, is very active with the Jamestown community. He is a captain of the JHS varsity soccer team, a kicker on the JHS football team, as well as the saxophone section leader for the JHS Concert Band. Lincoln is in Key Club and is a member of the National Honor Society.

“I want to serve as a student representative for the Jamestown Board of Education because being able to witness the other side of the educational system is exciting to me,” Carpenter said. “Additionally, what interests me the most, is being able to secure the communication between the board and the student body and give my fellow classmates a voice through this position. I am truly honored to have been given this opportunity, and I am excited to commit my dedication to helping the community.”

Jarren Cotter is the son of Christopher and Suwapa Cotter. He serves as the captain of both the JHS varsity soccer and track teams, and he is also a kicker for the varsity football team. Additionally, Jarren is a member of the Key Club and serves as a student representative on the City of Jamestown's Riverfront Management Council.

"I want to serve as a Jamestown Board of Education representative because I’m eager to participate in school board discussions and, more importantly, to ensure effective communication between the board and the student body,” said Cotter. “It’s crucial to me that my fellow classmates are heard, and this position offers a great opportunity to advocate for them. Serving on the school board of education is both an honor and a responsibility, and I am committed to bringing the same dedication to this role as I do to my varsity sports and community activities."