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Student Board Members

Haiden Chambers, RHS Senior

Profile Picture of Haiden Chambers

What extracurricular activities, hobbies, or passions do you enjoy outside of school?
Marching band, jazz band, show choir, theatre, Sources of Strength, Interact Club, and track are all of the activities I’m involved in. I’m very passionate about leadership and helping others.

What are your plans or goals after high school?
My plan is to major in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. My goal is to grow my family’s business and start a non-profit that would support those affected by domestic violence.

What inspired you to join the Board of Education as a student representative?
I wanted to be involved in the inner workings of the district and connect with as many different perspectives as possible.

Who is someone you admire and why?
My former superintendent, Karen Trusler, empowered me to use my voice at the district level. My assistant superintendent, Tami Kramer, has been a huge supporter of my journey and always gives me support and guidance when I need it; she was also my elementary school principal.

Annabelle Rusco, RHS Senior

Profile Picture of Annabelle Rusco

I’ve been part of the Weld RE-5J school district since kindergarten, and I’ve always appreciated how close-knit and supportive the Johnstown and Milliken communities are. My involvement in student leadership began early—starting with the elementary yearbook committee, then middle school NJHS and Newspaper, and now expanding into roles at both the school and state level. Leadership has never been just an activity for me—it’s been a way to grow, serve, and connect.

My favorite subjects are biology and business, especially when I get to apply them in real-world settings. I’m currently pursuing both the health sciences and business tracks at Roosevelt, which means my days range from writing budgets to practicing CPR and wound care at AIMS. Outside of school, I’m a state officer for FBLA, vice president of HOSA, president of NHS, and a member of the CASB Student Planning Team. I also compete in speech and debate, serve on our CTE Board, and stay active with Interact Club. These experiences have taught me how to lead with empathy and purpose, as well as created some lasting friendships along the way. 

After high school, I plan to pursue a degree in biological sciences and eventually become a pediatric doctor. Long-term I want to be able to make a difference through quality care and innovation. I work with nonprofits and organizations within our community and state to further my perspective. 

I was inspired to join the Board of Education as a student representative because I believe students deserve a voice in the decisions that shape their learning. I’ve seen firsthand how policy impacts opportunity, and I want to help bridge the gap between student experience and district leadership. Sometimes voices can open our minds and perspectives a little bit wider!

To other students who want to get involved in leadership or advocacy, my advice is simple: start where you are. Whether it’s joining a club, helping a peer, or speaking up in class, every action matters. Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about impact and the people you meet along the way.

Liam Burack, RHS Junior

Profile Picture of Liam Burack

My favorite subjects are Social Studies and the Business CTE pathway.

Outside of school, I love to run as I'm a captain of the XC and Track teams. I also love to hike and explore our Rocky Mountains.

My goals after high school is to attend a 4-year college and eventually get a PHD in Economics.

My advice to other students wanting to get involved in leadership is to find something you're passionate about and find leadership roles within that club/activity, but if there isn't something available, create your own role, start your own club, and most importantly, make sure you're having fun.

September 2025

The Board of Education appointed Liam Burack as an additional student board member.  Liam joins Annabelle and Haiden to represent the voice of students in guiding the school district.  As Annabelle and Haiden are in their senior year, Liam starts his two-year term as a junior.  This will allow the Weld RE-5J Board of Education to have a rotation of one junior and one senior each year moving forward.  

March 2025

In a historic moment for Weld RE-5J, the Board of Education has appointed Annabelle Rusco and Haiden Chambers as the district’s first-ever student board members! This groundbreaking decision marks an exciting step forward in amplifying student voices and perspectives in district decision-making. Annabelle and Haiden will have the opportunity to provide valuable input on key issues affecting their peers, ensuring that the needs and ideas of students are represented at the highest level. This move highlights the district's commitment to fostering leadership, engagement, and inclusivity within the school community. Congratulations to Annabelle and Haiden as they make history and represent their fellow students on the Board of Education!