Richardson ISD selects 12 seniors for 2026-27 student advisory group

Richardson ISD has selected 12 high school seniors to serve on the 2026-27 Impact 12 (TI-12) student advisory group. The students were chosen by campus leaders from the district’s four comprehensive high schools to represent the perspectives of their peers. With nearly 2,400 seniors in the district, the selection offers an opportunity to engage in leadership and influence district initiatives.

The group includes Eden Ramirez, Brandon Rojas, and Drew Sharlow from Berkner High School; Riley Koshkin, Muntasir Manzur, and Lucy Walne from Lake Highlands High School; Orlando Merlan, Tori Ham, and Faira Francis from Pearce High School; and Egan Sawyer, Sarah Edwards, and Inara Rahman from Richardson High School.

At their first meeting, the students discussed their senior year experiences and college application processes. Superintendent Tabitha Branum addressed the group, stating, “Leadership is not about a title. How are you using your voice to make things better and improve? Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”

The advisory group’s primary objective is to determine how to improve the student experience for peers. Over the coming year, members will visit schools across all four learning communities, observe classrooms, and gather feedback from students. They will identify common themes and areas for growth, developing recommendations based on their findings.

This work aligns with the district’s North Star Goal, which aims for every student, teacher, and leader to meet or exceed academic growth goals.

Branum noted that student perspectives are essential for understanding necessary improvements. “We want to hear from those closer to the North Star Goal — students,” she said. The group will ultimately present their work to the RISD Leadership Cabinet, providing district leaders with direct insight into student experiences and proposed solutions.

The Impact 12 program has operated for more than 20 years, providing students with leadership opportunities.

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