Page 5 - Wayne Dispatch Pages

New Wayne Westland

Board members welcomed

By Sarah Shurge
In the November 2024 election,
among the many things we voted for,
we voted on our board members.
Those members took office in Janu-
ary.
School board members are es-
sential because they act as a liaison
between the community and the
school. They are responsible for set-
ting the vision and goals for their dis-
trict, ensure accountability for
student achievement, but most im-
portantly, advocate for students.
Andrew Ambrus and Shannon
Rochon are newly elected and have
received six-year terms. Fred Weaver
was re-elected for a six-year term.
Rochon, a Wayne resident, serves Wayne resident Shannon Rochon, newly
as the Board Trustee for the Wayne- elected Board Trustee for the Wayne-
Westland School District. Westland School District.
“In this role, I am committed to
advocating for our students and en- “Being elected felt incredibly re-
suring that their needs are met,” said warding, as if a significant purpose
Rochon. in my life was being fulfilled,” said
The new officers are: President - Rochon.
Kimberly R. May, Vice President - Reading the pledge was his pas-
LeWanna Abney-Mitchell, Secretary - tor, Virgil Humes, Senior Pastor of
Melandie Hines, and Treasurer - An- New Hope of Wayne.
drew Ambrus. “My faith forms the foundation of
“As the newly appointed chair of my guiding principles,” said Rochon.
the Student Achievement Committee, “I admire my pastor as a man of in-
I am eager to evaluate our students' tegrity and a respected leader in our
test scores and implement effective community and having him partici-
strategies to enhance academic per- pate in the ceremony emphasized
formance throughout the district,” the importance of community and
said Rochon. “My goal is to ensure values in our educational system.”
that every student has the resources Rochon has lived in Wayne for the
and support they need to succeed.” past eight years and is an active
Rochon was sworn in at the member of New Hope Church in
Board of Education meeting on Mon- Wayne. He also hosts annual events
day, January 27th, surrounded by for youth, aimed at providing enrich-
his mother, Lavette Rochon, and
daughter, Shannon Raquell Rochon. See Board, page 6

The Wayne Dispatch · April 2025 · 5