WEST ORANGE, NJ - Seniors Adam Barakat and Nefertari James have been selected to serve as the West Orange High School Board of Education Student Liaisons for the 2025-2026 school year.
Their responsibilities include attendance at Board of Education meetings, where they will present updates on WOHS activities, communicate student concerns to the BOE, and be able to comment during discussions on various topics. According to Conflict Resolution and Student Affairs Coordinator Catherine Connors, several highly qualified students apply for the positions each year, and the decision is always difficult.
Adam Barakat
"I wanted to become a BOE liaison to further develop my experience in a group executive setting, as well as improve my leadership skills," began Adam.
"Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, I would like to properly represent my student body at every meeting," he added.
Barakat is on the Varsity Wrestling team, and is a member of the Science and National Honor Societies. Has is involved in community outreach and has attended West Orange Schools since Kindergarten, attending Redwood Elementary, Edison and Liberty Middle Schools, and West Orange High School. He is interested in pursuing Electrical Engineering in college.
Nefertari James
"I’m committed to amplifying student voices and fostering a stronger connection between my peers and school leadership," said Nefertari.
"This role excites me because it’s not only about empathy—it’s about action: preparing concise reports, attending board and school meetings, and ensuring student concerns are communicated clearly and accurately," she stated.
Her goal for the 2025-2026 school year is to advocate for bringing back SAT prep as a scheduled class.
"I’d begin by conducting a school-wide survey and gathering testimonials from students, then collaborating with counselors and administration to build a structured proposal," she explained.
James is the Head Manager of the Girls Step Team and a member of Rho Kappa, NHS (National Honor Society), BSU (Black Student Union), and Civic Leaders of America. She has attended West Orange Schools since Kindergarten, attending St. Cloud Elementary, Edison and Roosevelt Middle Schools, and West Orange High School. She plans to study law and hopes to attend Howard University, where she can continue advocating and building community.
"The Board and I are excited to welcome Nefertari and Adam as our Student Liaisons, and look forward to their contributions," stated Superintendent Hayden Moore.
WOHS BOE Student Liaisons Nefertari James and Adam Barakat
