Howard HS Student Lamia Ayaz Elected 2023-2024 SMOB

from Howard County Public Schools

Lamia Ayaz, a Howard High School junior, was elected Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) for the 2023-2024 school year. The election, open to all middle and high school students, was conducted by the Howard County Association of Student Councils (HCASC) on May 3.

Ayaz’s campaign platforms included mental health and wellbeing, multiculturalism, and communication.

Ayaz has served as chair of the HCASC Accessibility Committee, working to ensure equity in access to menstrual products in all middle and high schools. Ayaz also works to get HCASC materials translated into other languages such as Spanish and Chinese. Ayaz has testified in front of the Maryland House of Delegates in support of HB0634, which prohibits the sale of diet pills to minors.

“I am so appreciative for all the support I received throughout this process from my friends and family, the HCASC team, the HCPSS central office, and all the students who voted on May 3rd, and I am grateful to have had such a dedicated opponent,” said Ayaz. Thank you so much and I cannot wait to serve you as the next Student Member of the Board.”

Ayaz and Wilde Lake High School student Antonio Clay-Hardy were the final candidates chosen at the HCASC Convention in March.

Clay-Hardy shared, “I want to first start off by thanking each and every student that makes up the Howard County Public School System—you are the reason I am here in this position today. Next, I want to thank Lamia Ayaz for her kindness and professionalism during the campaign. Lastly, I would like to thank the wonderful and hardworking members of the Election Coordinating Committee. Their work is incredibly vital and important. While this journey has come to a close, the fight for a better future is just getting started.”

HCASC student leaders facilitated and managed the campaign and election process with guidance from the HCASC advisor and HCPSS central office staff. Both students are commended for the respectful and positive campaigns they conducted from start to finish. The SMOB election process aims to empower students in developing skills necessary to be engaged and informed citizens.