AUHSD Board Appoints Arnav Misra to Serve as Student Board Member

    Miramonte High School senior, Arnav Misra, was introduced and welcomed by the board of the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) as the next student board member for the 2024-2025 school year. The 17-year-old rising senior begins his appointment this month.
    “I’ve applied to this position for a simple reason: I want to repay the student community that has had such a great impact on my development,” he said.
    An influence that arguably had the most effect on Misra’s life was participating in Miramonte’s public speaking program. Currently serving as a debate captain, he has represented Miramonte’s team at the final rounds of elite invitationals such as UC Berkeley and Stanford, as well as the State and National Championships.
    “Considering that my primary task would be to represent the AUHSD student community, my communication skills would be more than up to the job,” said Misra.
    Kristen Plant, Miramonte’s public speaking and debate coach, speaks highly of his appointment.
    “I am thrilled that Arnav Misra will be the student board member next year because not only does he embody the AUHSD commitment to academic excellence, but also, our honor code,” she said. “Arnav is respectful, kind and grateful for opportunities to learn together in the classroom and beyond!”
    Last year, Misra found other ways to give back to the community when he founded a club called Helping Hands that aims to create volunteer opportunities and community service projects.
    Helping Hands has raised 1,000 pounds of clothing for Partners & Advocates for Remarkable Children and Adults (PARCA), and raised over $500 for Concord’s homeless shelter.
    Ariana Caragol, treasurer of the club, praises his hands-on approach: “Arnav has put so much time and effort into making Helping Hands the successful club it is. He is a great leader and continually works to bring all of his ideas to life.”
    Misra’s clear passion for his community paid off, and he plans to continue this mindset as he dives further into his role.
    One goal he has is to support existing student initiatives.
    “Whether that be different student unions or clubs like the SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Acceptance) club, I intend to use my position to support these students in their crusade for change,” said Misra. “By providing a platform for these organizations, I hope to amplify their voices and help them achieve their objectives.”
    However, because Misra was not elected by Lamorinda citizens, his vote is preferential, meaning that while other members take his opinion into account, his vote is not included in the official tally.
    Misra said this distinction won’t affect his goal to accurately represent AUHSD’s student body. “I strive to contribute as effectively as my adult counterparts, bringing fresh insights and advocating for the student body with dedication and integrity,” he said.
    Misra’s mother, Ritu Singhal, talked about the impact her son is making on people’s lives.
    “We are proud of him, not just because of his achievements, but because of the truly caring and compassionate person he is,” said Singhal. “Watching him grow into this incredible person he is today fills us with pride.”