Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of portraits of four New Jersey residents notable for their efforts to improve the lives of others locally or statewide. Read Tuesday’s portrait.

Who: Nilanjana (Nillie) Ghosh

What she does: Ghosh, a junior at West-Windsor Plainsboro High School, is the student representative to the State Board of Education, the governing body for public education in New Jersey.

“I chose this position because I saw a lot of opportunity to impact students across the state, to give a voice to anyone who needs it,” Ghosh said. “It’s the sort of thing I’ve always been wanting to do, where I’m in a space that I can bring the perspectives of others to an administrative body,” Ghosh said.

Why she matters: Sixteen-year-old Ghosh attends every State Board of Education meeting and delivers remarks to the 13-member board tasked with adopting the regulations and administrative code for New Jersey’s public schools. As student representative, Ghosh represents the students who are impacted by the board’s policies and can share students’ concerns with members of the board.

Speaking out: At the board’s December meeting, Ghosh addressed the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza during her remarks, expressing a message of peace and compassion and drawing praise of her fellow board members.

“You are such a blessing to this board and such a reminder as to why we are here,” said board member Mary Beth Berry.

How the position works: Ghosh’s term began in July and will last 12 months. She is a nonvoting member of the board.

The student representative is selected through the New Jersey Association of Student Councils. Candidates must complete an application form and sit for an interview with the outgoing council’s executive board.

Sounding board: As the state board’s student representative, Ghosh plans to send out a survey to schools across the state to collect more data on what’s important to students.

“I know that issues that I care about throughout my school, in my student body, can be drastically different than schools in other areas of my state. I’m really open to anything that other students want to reach out about.”

Big issues: Ghosh said some of the most important issues for students are special education and inclusivity. She said it’s important students of all demographics are given the resources they need, pointing to racial and economic disparities across the state.

Responsibilities: Ghosh’s primary responsibility is delivering monthly reports to the board. She chooses what topics to discuss and has opted to share updates on a wide range of issues.

“It can really vary. That’s a really positive aspect of this role. Each student representative has the power to uniquely choose what they want to report on,” Ghosh said.

Discussing war: Ghosh said in deciding to speak about the Israel-Hamas war that she debated whether to discuss such a sensitive topic, but ultimately decided to use her platform to represent the voices of her peers.

“It’s something that was weighing on me and I felt this was a really good opportunity to remind everyone of some really basic ideas that peace is what all humans deserve,” she said.

Ghosh’s remarks to the board: “It has been nearly two months since conflict arose in the Middle East. I remember as our social media feeds became filled with devastating news. Every day my heart ached and continues to ache for those who have suffered and the lives that have been so unfairly lost. In acknowledging this matter, I wish to put forward a very simple message.

During such times of world conflict, I feel it is imperative that we remember one thing. Despite our differences we are all united as a human race. Every one of us, we are all united as one human race. The greatest strength humanity has is just that, our humanity, our ability to love and protect one another.

I’m sure that many of us are experiencing a collective shock and sadness at this time. I hope to perhaps provide some consolation when I say that I am optimistic. I am optimistic that humanity has the power to prevail. I am optimistic that love has the power to prevail over hate because love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love. It cannot be killed or swept aside.”

Reception: State Board of Education members publicly praised Ghosh for using her position to speak up for those who are suffering.

“I’m pleased to know that our students, in leadership and the student body, still have hope for the future,” board member Arcelio Aponte said.

“Nillie, once again you continue to bring to us topics that are timely, topics that require our attention and you call all of us to action. I want to thank you for being that spark that we need,” added acting Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan.

Advice for other students: “I cannot stress enough the power of getting involved especially as a young person,” Ghosh said.

She suggested students looking to get involved join their student council or attend their local board of education meetings.

What’s next? Ghosh said she plans to stay involved with student council in her senior year of high school since it’s one of her biggest passions. After graduation, she’s interested in studying economics or political science in college before attending law school. She said she hopes to continue on a path of public service.

Opening image: Left to right: Nilanjana Ghosh, Carmen Salavarrieta, Julie Blumenfeld, Christine Bell (Taylor Jung/NJ Spotlight News)