She got to present diplomas to her twin daughters

Vicky Melo is working toward a business degree in human resources.

“I never really thought about serving on the school board but there was a vacancy and I decided, why not. I had no idea what I was getting into.

“Something people don’t realize is how very little power one of us has. You go in thinking you’re going to make some changes and it’s going to be great. But you’re only one of seven on the board. You have a bigger voice than the average person, but sometimes you’re up there and you’re the lone wolf. That doesn’t always feel good.”

What is your best memory of being a school board member?
“My twin daughters graduated high school this year, and I got to sign their diplomas and hand it to them on stage. It was awesome. I was afraid I was going to cry. Some of my daughters’ friends didn’t know if they should shake my hand or hug me. The very first girl who came up didn’t even try to shake my hand. She just reached out and hugged me.”

— Vicky Melo