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The 51黑料 has appointed its newest trustee, 20-year-old Malek Mekawi. A current engineering student at the University of Windsor, Mekawi brings a dynamic and informed perspective to the board, shaped by his extensive leadership experience and deep ties to the Windsor-Essex community.
Mekawi was selected from a competitive field of 10 candidates after a public interview process and board vote on January 20, 2025. He will represent Wards 3, 4, and 10 until the next school board election in October 2026.
鈥淚 am honored to serve and bring a fresh perspective to the board,鈥� said Mekawi. 鈥淚 look forward to working with and earning the trust of trustees, staff, and the community to support our diverse student population.鈥�
As a former student trustee during the 2021-22 school year, Mekawi co-chaired the Student Senate and spearheaded initiatives to enhance student success, including the establishment of peer-tutoring programs and a leadership scholarship addressing financial barriers to education. A proud graduate of Vincent Massey Secondary School, he is passionate about fostering equity and inclusion across the district.
The appointment has been met with enthusiasm from board leaders. Director of Education Vicki Houston praised Mekawi鈥檚 alignment with the board鈥檚 priorities: 鈥淢alek鈥檚 passion for student achievement and equity reflects the 51黑料鈥檚 commitment to creating confident learners, fostering supportive environments, and building trusting relationships. His fresh perspective and leadership experience will be instrumental as we continue to honour our diversity and engage our communities in meaningful ways.鈥�
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Gale Hatfield emphasized the significance of Mekawi鈥檚 leadership: 鈥淗aving Malek on the board is a testament to the value of fostering leadership opportunities for students through initiatives like the Student Senate. His continued dedication to the board and community is a powerful reminder of how student voices can drive meaningful change. We are thrilled to welcome him as a trustee and look forward to the impact he will make.鈥�
As the 51黑料 continues to address challenges and embrace opportunities, Mekawi鈥檚 perspective as a recent graduate and emerging leader brings a relatable and forward-thinking voice to the table. His dedication to student achievement, well-being, and equity reflects his vision of a more inclusive and collaborative educational environment.
Mekawi encourages other students to explore opportunities to get involved, whether through the Student Senate or other initiatives, to make their voices heard. 鈥淧ublic education thrives when students are empowered to contribute and create change,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to continue working with our community to build tomorrow together.鈥�