BY ANDY GARDNER
North Country This Week

MASSENA -- The Massena Central School Board of Education on Thursday, Aug. 15 installed Ieronhenehtha Lazore of Akwesasne as a student ex-officio member.

She will sit at the table with the board during monthly meetings and will be able to participate in discussions and report on things happening in the high school. She will not be allowed to cast any votes.

She is the first Native American student ex-officio member.

"I'm really looking forward to my school year. I'm really glad to be here. I'm really looking forward to representing the student body,” Lazore told the board. "I'm very grateful to have this opportunity.”

Lazore took the oath of office holding an eagle feather that was her mother’s, and then explained its significance to the board.

"Whenever you make a big achievement or reach a high milestone in your life, you're given an eagle feather. Eagles are held in high regards in our culture,” Lazore told the trustees. "It's a nice thing to receive an eagle feather for a very important event."

Lazore is a member of the varsity volleyball and softball teams. She also plays alto saxophone in Concert Band, Pep Band and Marching Band. She is a member of the Mohawk Club and Student Council.

The previous student ex-officio was Octavia Viskovich.