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Ortiz receives surprise scholarship at board meeting

Owatonna School Board, Ortiz, surprise scholarship
By
Kay Fate, Staff Writer

There usually aren’t many surprises at a school board meeting, especially when you’re the student representative.

But Daniela Ortiz’s eyes grew wide, then her mouth dropped open just a bit as Owatonna School Board Chair Mark Sebring finished his remarks at Monday night’s meeting.

He thanked her for her two years of service on the board, saying Ortiz “demonstrates a seasoned maturity and a graceful acknowledgement of even divisive issues, and our school district has benefited from (her) perspective.”

As she smiled in thanks, Sebring continued, “and with that, we have two more very special guests,” before introducing Kirk Schneidawind, the executive director of the Minnesota School Board Association, and Greg Abbott, an MSBA staff member.

“We’re here tonight to name Daniela as a recipient of the Robert E. Meeks MSBA Student School Board Member Scholarship,” Schneidawind said, adding that Ortiz is one of just two students in the state to receive the award – and the first from Owatonna.

The scholarship comes with $3,000 to apply toward her college education. She plans to attend the University of Minnesota and major in computer science.

About 100 of the state’s public school districts “have a student rep at the table,” Schneidawind said, “and Owatonna should feel very proud, very proud, to have Daniela working with them.”

In addition to serving as the Board’s student representative since 2020, Ortiz has also served as president of the National Honor Society; an officer on Students Helping Others Choose; a commissioner of Link Crew; and as a member of student council. She has been a mentor through Big Brother Big Sister, played volleyball and was involved in the Diversity and Inclusion Group, DECA, orchestra, Toys for Tots, Community Pathways and the Owatonna Community Task Force on Facilities for the new high school.

“Daniela has been a warrior for equity, making sure that we continue to provide for the needs of all of our students regardless of ability, race, beliefs and ethnicity,” said Superintendent Jeff Elstad. “I truly, truly believe that Daniela Ortiz is going to go on to great things, and at some point, I want to pick up the paper and read an article about you, and say, ‘I got to serve with her.’”

Elstad later introduced the two OHS students who will succeed Ortiz as School Board representatives.

Jace Forcelle, a current sophomore, will serve during his junior and senior years; junior Hailey Kjersten will serve a one-year term during her senior year. They will join the board next month.

The pair were chosen after interviews conducted by a committee that included current board members, the superintendent, the high school principal and the board’s executive assistant.

Though non-voting, the student reps serve as advisors to the School Board and administration in the formation and evaluation of policies and regulations of the district.

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