Meet KCDSB’s Incoming Student Trustees for 2026–2027
From athletics and leadership to music, theatre and community involvement, two students from St. Thomas Aquinas High School are preparing to bring their energy, experiences and school spirit to the KCDSB Board table.
Alexis Greene and Celeste Temple were officially sworn in as the Kenora Catholic District School Board’s incoming Student Trustees during the May 19 Board Meeting. Beginning their term on August 1, Alexis, currently in Grade 11, and Celeste, currently in Grade 10, will participate in Board meetings and activities throughout the 2026–2027 school year while sharing updates and highlights from student life at STAHS.
The evening also marked a meaningful transition as outgoing Student Trustees Jacob Silva and Thia Payash-Ogemah welcomed the incoming trustees and shared reflections on their leadership journeys.
Alexis Greene – Indigenous Student Trustee
Alexis Greene, from Shoal Lake 39 Independent First Nation, will serve as the Board’s Indigenous Student Trustee.
Alexis has a strong passion for the arts, particularly music and theatre, and enjoys performing both on stage and through music. Outside of school, Alexis is dedicated to learning and speaking Ojibway and volunteers as a Language Assistant during community Ojibway Language sessions led by their grandmother.
Currently exploring future studies in mathematics and music, Alexis is also working toward becoming a Youth Representative for Shoal Lake 29 Independent First Nation.
For Alexis, becoming a Student Trustee is an opportunity to grow as a leader while helping share student perspectives and experiences from STAHS.
“I was interested in becoming a student trustee as it would provide me with more insights on public speaking and letting the students’ voices be heard at the board level,” shared Alexis. “I am prepared to put myself out there, hear different views on certain topics and improve my communication skills.”
Students and staff may also be surprised to learn that Alexis spends nearly 10 hours each week commuting to and from school.
Celeste Temple – Student Trustee
Celeste Temple will serve as KCDSB’s Student Trustee for the 2026–2027 school year.
A highly involved member of the STAHS school community, Celeste balances academics with athletics, extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities. She received the Principal’s Gold Medal for highest academic achievement in Grade 9 and has participated in basketball, badminton and soccer throughout high school.
Outside of school, Celeste continues to demonstrate leadership as a camp counsellor at St. Louis Bible Camp.
Outgoing Student Trustee Jacob Silva described Celeste as a dedicated student leader who is passionate about helping make a positive difference for students at STAHS.
Celeste shared that she was inspired to put her name forward because of the opportunity to help represent students while learning more about leadership and decision-making at the Board level.
“What made me interested in putting my name forward to become a Student Trustee was the opportunity to contribute to board level decisions while representing the student body as someone who sees the impact of these decisions firsthand,” said Celeste. “I am eager to make a difference in the role by letting my faith guide me as I work toward creating a better environment within the Catholic school board.”
As she prepares to begin the role, Celeste says she is looking forward to learning more about how important decisions are discussed and reviewed before impacting students and staff across the system.
Students and staff at KCDSB may also be surprised to learn that Celeste has a strong passion for sports, especially soccer.
The Student Trustee election process was led by Vice Principal Michelle Kurtz and included classroom visits and a Chapel presentation where students learned more about the role and responsibilities of Student Trustees. Voting took place on April 16, with an impressive 77 percent voter turnout from STAHS students.
KCDSB extends its sincere appreciation to outgoing Student Trustees Jacob Silva and Thia Payash-Ogemah for their leadership, dedication and contributions throughout the past year.
The Board looks forward to supporting Alexis and Celeste as they begin this exciting new chapter in student leadership.