18 Under Eighteen Honoree Elijah Majocha Runs for Local School Board
Author: Beck Harhai
Community Involvement
Published:
Saturday, 13 May 2023
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Image caption: Elijah holds his campaign sign
Junior Achievement of Western PA (JA) student and 18 Under Eighteen honoree Elijah Majocha is running for School Board Director at Highlands School District, hoping to prove that the younger generation is ready to make an impact on the world.
The current Highlands High School senior is the youngest candidate in the election. At only 18-years-old, Elijah hopes to use his fresh perspectives and applicable experiences to bring impactful, lasting change to the school.
Elijah’s campaign themes include:
- Implementing a life skills class for high school students
- Promoting anti-bullying policies, including the app safe2say which prevents bullying through anonymous reporting
- Developing hands-on learning experiences that go beyond traditional paper and pencil lessons
In February, Elijah was selected from a pool of talented candidates and named to JA’s 18 Under Eighteen honoree class of 2023. JA was impressed by his resourcefulness, tenacity, and drive to achieve his goals and help his community.
“We were instantly impressed with Elijah’s accomplishments and passion when we named him an 18 Under Eighteen honoree, and his decision to run for school board amplifies his drive for success,” said Patrice Matamoros, president of JA. “Elijah’s courage to run for this position at a young age proves he’s excited about making lasting change in our communities and society. We are excited to see what his future has in store for him."
Elijah was selected for 18 Under Eighteen due to his development efforts of the Highlands School District Growing Minds Education Center, a $36,000, tax-free greenhouse used to educate students K-12. The greenhouse teaches students the importance of environmental stewardship and climate justice, environmental-based careers and opportunities, gardening, and sustainability.
JA was also impressed with his early involvement in local and state politics. He used his passion for environmental sustainability and food insecurity on Pennsylvania State Senator Lindsay Williams’ reelection campaign, hoping to inspire others to join the fight for climate action. Elijah also represented Highlands School District to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, advocating for his peers and their experiences in the PA school system.
Elijah is running against Misty Chybrzynski Woody and incumbents Laura Butler and Kristie Babinsack for the two open seats in region 3 - an area that stretches from Route 28 to the Allegheny River, from Silverlake Park to the Freeport border in one section and from Alsco Park to Freeport in another. The election is on May 16. Click here to read more about the candidates.
JA wishes the best of luck to Elijah, his campaign and his future professional and political aspirations!
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