Sebastian Johnson installed as SMOB

Senior Sebastian Johnson was installed as the 28th Montgomery County Student Member on the Board of Education (SMOB) last night, July 5, at the Carver Educational Services Center in Rockville. He was elected on April 27 over John F. Kennedy High School senior Nadia Sicard, receiving 78.54% of all votes cast.

Johnson was sworn in by Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court Loretta Knight during a ceremony attended by various dignitaries from the county and state level. Attendees included Delegate Herman Taylor (D-Montgomery), who presented outgoing SMOB Sagar Sanghvi with a proclamation from the General Assembly and David Naimon, who served as the first student member in the 1978-79 school year, as well as several other former board members and administrators.

After being sworn in, Johnson gave a speech in which he thanked important figures in his life including his mother, who he said taught him that "no one is beyond help." Sanghvi also spoke about his experiences in his unprecedented two years as SMOB and offered his congratulations to Johnson on his election.

Following these statements each board member spoke, both honoring Sanghvi's accomplishments and welcoming Johnson for the coming year. After 45 minutes the board meeting adjourned, and Johnson went with his friends, family and supporters to the reception to begin his term.