‘I want to make sure students feel heard’: Perth teen named associate student trustee for Catholic school board

The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO) has announced their student trustee and associate student trustee for the 2026-27 school year.

Saanvi Uniyal, a Grade 12 student at St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School in Cornwall, has been installed as student trustee, succeeding Junior Malunda, according to a CDSBEO release issued Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Joining Uniyal is Duncan King, a Grade 11 student at St. John Catholic High School in Perth, who has been installed as associate student trustee.

“Over the years, I’ve seen how much of a difference student voice can make. I wanted the opportunity to represent students from across the board and help create positive experiences and opportunities for everyone,” wrote King in an email to Lanarkist.

As student trustees, Uniyal and King will represent the more than 14,000 students across the school board and will lead the student senate.

“I want to make sure that students feel heard, and that Saanvi and I feel reachable to the student body, rather than just being members of the board,” King added.

“Some of my goals as student trustee are to increase student engagement and leadership opportunities, help students feel represented regardless of the size or location of their school, improve communication between students from different schools and student councils, promote student well-being and school spirit and celebrate the great things happening in schools across the board.”

The senate discusses student matters, gathers feedback and helps to develop communications with all students across the CDSBEO. It also provides a means for student council leaders and senators to gain leadership skills, according to the release.

“We are pleased to welcome Student Trustee Saanvi Uniyal and Associate Student Trustee Duncan King to their new roles,” said CDSBEO Chair Chris Cummings. “Student voice plays an important role in the work of our board, and we look forward to hearing their perspectives as they represent students across our schools. We are confident they will be strong leaders and advocates for their fellow students throughout the coming year.”

The CDSBEO operates 39 elementary and 10 secondary schools across eight counties.

“We are excited to welcome Saanvi and Duncan to these important leadership positions,” said CEO/CEdO Shelley Montgomery. “Their enthusiasm, commitment, and willingness to represent their peers will be a tremendous asset to our board. We look forward to learning from them and working together throughout the school year.”