A high school senior in Mount Vernon is preparing for college while he sits on the Board of Education.

Nicholas Justino, 17, was recently sworn in as a student trustee on the Mount Vernon City School District's Board of Education. 

It's a first for the district, which says it's a step toward engaging students in the decision-making process. 

"I want to bring my perspective to the board to show them what they can't see from staff,” says Justino. "It gives a new rush of excitement to everybody, everyone learns more in the process."

Justino was nominated by his high school principal and then selected by the superintendent. He was appointed by the Board of Education on Oct. 1.

Faculty and students agree that it's a position he has taken with pride.

 "He definitely stepped into the role very well. You can tell he's taking charge and doing his best to uphold it," says Magdalene McKoy, a Mount Vernon High School senior.

 Justino will serve as a non-voting trustee on the Board of Education until June 30, 2020.