Meet the Student Board Member

Vanessa Li is a senior at Leonardtown High School and has been a student in St. Mary’s County Public Schools for the past 10 years. Throughout her time at LHS, she has held leadership roles at the school, regional, and state levels. Most recently, Vanessa served as the Division 5 Liaison for the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC), representing over 60,000 students across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. Currently, Vanessa serves as MASC’s State Legislative Affairs Coordinator, where she leads the Civic Engagement Committee and advocates for youth-focused state legislative initiatives.

At the county level, Vanessa chairs the SMCPS Superintendent’s Student Leadership Advisory Council and previously served as First Vice President of the St. Mary’s Association of Student Councils (SMASC). Within her school, she is the President of the Principal’s Advisory Council and Vice President of the Student Government Association.

Outside of her leadership roles, Vanessa is a dedicated member of her school’s Chamber Choir and volunteers regularly at her local nursing home.

As the Student Member of the Board (SMOB), Vanessa is committed to empowering students, increasing awareness of educational opportunities, and ensuring all students feel supported in pursuing their academic and personal interests. She also aims to strengthen communication and collaboration between the Board of Education and the student body.

Student Member of the Board of Education for 2025-2026

Press Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, March 14, 2025

Dr. J. Scott Smith, Superintendent of Schools, 301-475-5511, ext. 32178
Dr. Joseph Beavers, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, 301-475-5511, ext. 32135

LEONARDTOWN, MD –St. Mary's Association of Student Councils (SMASC)  held elections for the Student Member of the St. Mary's County Public Schools Board of Education (BOE). Vanessa Li, an eleventh-grade student at Leonardtown High School (LHS), was elected to this position and will take over for the current Student Member, Hannah Heisler, also from LHS, on July 1, 2025. 

Vanessa has a wealth of experience in student leadership at both the local and state levels. She currently serves as the President of the Principal’s Student Leadership Advisory Council at LHS, overseeing more than forty student leaders and guiding the implementation of various civic and school-related projects. Additionally, she holds the position of Vice President for both the SMASC and the LHS Student Government Association. Her other experiences include serving as an LHS Representative for the SMCPS Superintendent’s Student Leadership Advisory Council and being a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Student-To-Student Mentor, and Freshman Advisory Mentor. Vanessa's influence extends beyond the school and county levels; she is also the Division 5 Liaison for the Maryland Association of Student Councils. In this role, she collaborates with student leaders from Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s County, leads monthly meetings with Division 5 student leaders, attends regional general assemblies, and coordinates a student leadership conference.

Mr. James Copsey III, the principal of LHS, commented, “Vanessa’s background in student government and as a student leader will enable her to provide an informed perspective on school matters before the board.” Kylie Teston, the Choir Director at LHS, praised Vanessa as “a student leader who listens, understands, and advocates passionately for her peers,” highlighting how her experiences allow her to lead with empathy and insight.

When Vanessa assumes her elected position, her primary focus will be on empowering students and increasing their awareness of educational opportunities, ensuring that all students feel supported in pursuing their interests and academic aspirations. She aims to gain a thorough understanding of the budget process and establish a system for effective communication and collaboration between the Board of Education and students.

As a member of the Board of Education, Vanessa will bring a valuable student perspective and actively participate in student and school-related activities. For further information, please contact Mr. Kevin T. Wright, Supervisor of Instruction for Social Studies, by phone at 301-475-5511, ext. 32128, or by email at ktwright@smcps.org.