Two local students recently were named to a statewide Office of Public Instruction Student Advisory Board.

Ashley Saunders from Laser Alternative School in Kalispell and Andy Russell from Bigfork High School were among 23 students selected by Public Instruction Superintendent Denise Juneau for the 2013-14 school year.

Saunders was an 11th-grader and Russell a 10th-grader when they were selected at the end of this school year.

“I have personally read each student’s application and the recommendations from adults in their lives,” Juneau said. “The unique perspective each student brings to the board is extremely valuable as we work community by community to improve the graduation rate and educational opportunities for all students.”

The board consists of 40 high school students from 34 Montana schools. Members were first nominated by local schools and community members and also had to apply for selection to the board. Juneau received 84 nominations.

The Student Advisory Board is part of Juneau’s statewide initiative, Graduation Matters Montana, which aims to increase the number of students who graduate from high school prepared for college and careers.

The first meeting of the 2013-14 Student Advisory Board will be Oct. 27 and 28 in Helena.

For more information about the Student Advisory Board, including the full list of board members, visit gmm.mt.gov/sab.html.