2026-2027 Student Representatives to the School Board announced
Published August 19, 2026
Cameron Smith, a senior at Warwick High School, will serve as the Student Representative to the Newport News School Board for the 2026-2027 school year. Hopeton Bailey, a senior at An Achievable Dream Middle and High School, will be the Alternate Student Representative.
Both students bring a wealth of leadership and team building skills to their positions.
Smith gained experience as Junior Class President and is a member of the National Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Group on Education, and the Youth Volunteer Corps where he volunteers for several community organizations.
He took the Oath of Commitment at the August 18 School Board meeting.
“As I step into this position, first of all I want to express my gratitude for the honor to serve as student representative to the School Board,” Smith said. “I look and strive towards a division where students, staff and faculty, community members -- all of us here in this room -- we recognize the importance of uplifting each and every student to succeed.
“When we make sure that our students serve as leaders as community members, we’ll achieve our mission of making students who are not just ready to move on into the world, but really take on the challenges it’ll face as this world is rapidly changing.”
Bailey served as Junior Class President and is a member of the Mayor’s Youth Commission, the Student Council Association, the National Honor Society, MU Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Group on Education, and also is active in his community.
Bailey took the Oath of Commitment at the September 15 School Board meeting.
The alternate position is new this year and will assist in fulfilling the numerous duties of the Student Representative.
“I’m very excited to be the first one in this new position,” Bailey said. “I’m ready to test out the waters of this position just to see what we can improve on and what the person after me may be able to do.”
Smith and Bailey both will co-lead SAGE meetings with Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell.
“I am one to hear the students as I’m with them every day,” Bailey said. “I know what they want, and I know how to put it into professional words so that the members of this board can hear them loud and clear. So I’m very thankful to get this position.”
