James Lawson High School junior to represent students on the Metro Nashville Public Schools Board of Education

Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) selected Christine Tran to represent her fellow MNPS students on the school board next year. Tran is a rising junior at the soon-to-open James Lawson High and former student of the recently closed Hillwood High School.Tran joins rising senior Alayna Mitchell of Hillsboro High School representing the interests of more than 80,000 students in the MNPS district. Tran will serve until her graduation in 2025.“I want to make an impact on my community and speak up for those who can't speak up for themselves,” said Tran. “I thought this position would be the perfect way to do so. I'm excited to have been selected and look forward to representing my peers.”At Hillwood, Tran started the Asian Youth Club to celebrate Asian culture within the school and plans to carry the club to the student body at James Lawson. In addition to creating inclusive clubs at school, Tran also participated in Model United Nations, student government, debate team, band, and tutoring younger students.A selection committee chose Tran to succeed Abenezer Haile, who graduated last month from Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet High School.“I’m excited to welcome Christine to the Board and look forward to watching her grow into the position and match the passion and insight of her predecessors in the months and years ahead,” said Dr. Adrienne Battle, Director of MNPS. “I know she and Alayna will capture and represent the voices of our wonderfully talented, skilled and diverse student body.”Tran and Mitchell hold non-voting positions on the school board but can weigh in on discussions and debates. Tran’s first meeting will be in September after the start of the new school year.