One of the two new student representatives on the State Board of Education is a Gwynedd-Mercy College junior.

Kevin Bates is a non-voting member who advises the board as a representative of Pennsylvania’s students. Even though he cannot vote, Bates believes that he will still be valuable to the board.

“They all said ‘as a student we understand it can be a little tough to work your way in’ but everyone there was real welcoming and real enthused about having a student on there."

Bates applied for the position after a suggestion from his advisor. He is excited to be representing his peers and making a difference for post-secondary students.