Sarita Lee poses with school board members and Superintendent Scott Smith

Leonardtown, MD — Sarita Lee has left her mark. For her many accomplishments during her two years as the student member of the St. Mary’s County Board of Education, the Great Mills High School senior was honored during a ceremony at the May 25 school board meeting.

Lee, during the presentation, said she competed for the position because “I have a passion for community service. Everything that goes on around us affects us.” During her two years, Lee was especially passionate about the substance abuse problems that were challenging her fellow students. She was determined to do something about it.

During her first term she coordinated a highly successful student forum attended by 200 students. That accomplishment was followed during her second term with a more ambitious forum which brought together a large number of community members in addition to the students. “We learned how powerful our voices were,” she said.

Lee was instrumental in establishing two student advisory councils, one in each school and one that advises the superintendent. “It was made possible by the environment in St. Mary’s County. It is an environment where student voices are valued,” she explained.

“She has kept me on track,” Superintendent Scott Smith said in praising Lee’s accomplishments. “This is an exceptionally organized young woman willing to put together the resources to move an entire community,” he said.

Lee’s accomplishments were detailed by St. Mary’s County Board of Education Chairman Karin Bailey. They include Great Mills High School STEM Academy for the last three years, participation in local and regional science fairs, publication in the Young Scientist Journal, Patuxent Partnership Award, St. Mary’s Hospital Chemistry Award for best correlation of data, Lockheed Martin STEM Award, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union Most Outstanding Student in a STEM Field Award and an award from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Surgeon General. She is a member of the National Honor Society and participated in a variety of sports.

Lee will graduate with her Great Mills High School Class of 2016 June 2. After her two years with the board which she described as “an incredible opportunity,” the next step in her life takes her to the West Coast. She has been accepted into UCLA and intends to pursue the fields of microbiology and immunology. She is awaiting word whether she has received a scholarship from the prestigious California institution.

Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com