Sophomore Lorena Wu was selected by the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) as one of the final four 2026-2027 Maryland State Student Member of the Board (SMOB) nominees. Wu advances to 2026 Legislative Session, where student delegates will vote on the final two nominees to be sent to Governor Moore.
Wu has been involved in student council for the past six years, starting in fifth grade as her elementary school’s student president. Her parents are public servants and they instilled in Wu a responsibility to give back, which is why she got involved in student government and advocacy.
Wu is running for state SMOB to ensure that all Maryland students have a voice and are represented on the State Board of Education, where decisions made impact their day-to-day lives.
“Currently, my main policy concerns relate to the drug and opioid crisis, sustainability, and minimizing the opportunity gap,” said Wu. “All of which I address in my platform and plan to focus on during my term.”
Wu is co-president of Eco MoCo, the largest student-led environmental justice nonprofit in Montgomery County, where she leads over 100 students and 50 chapters. She is also Historian and Executive Board member of the Maryland Youth Advisory Council, which works with the Governor. She organized with over 100 youth statewide and managed $10,000 worth of grants for youth initiatives. As Maryland SMOB, Wu hopes to connect with and leave a legacy on more Maryland students.
The three other SMOB finalists in addition to Wu are David Arowolo (Baltimore County), Jason Semanoff (Anne Arundel County), and Mark Li (Howard County).
The SMOB selection process has remained consistent over the years, including for the current elected SMOB, O’Marie Barns of Crossland High School. Historically, eight SMOBs have come from Montgomery County, though PHS has only had one Maryland SMOB, Jason Wu (2020–2021), since the position was established in 1985.
As a finalist, Wu now advances to the final stage of a month-long selection process. Wu will participate in the MASC Legislative Sessions, where student delegates from middle and high schools across the state vote on the candidates. The MASC Legislative Session, where student delegates will vote, is on Jan. 24 at Loch Raven High School, Baltimore County.
The session is designed to mirror the work of an actual board of education. Mrs. Karen Crawford, executive director of MASC, described the procedure moving forward.
“They are an informed student voice,” Crawford said. “They represent all citizens of Maryland.”
During the process, finalists are expected to demonstrate their ability to communicate clearly, research pertinent issues, and represent the student population.
Additionally, finalists are required to deliver a short presentation on an education issue they care about. Rather than a traditional slideshow, the presentation emulates a typical meeting.
“It would be as if at a board meeting,” Crawford said.
Candidates are evaluated on whether they clearly explain the issue, incorporate data, and propose realistic solutions. After speeches, Q&A sessions, and opportunities to engage with delegates, students will cast their votes. The two finalists selected by delegates will then be sent to Governor Wes Moore, who will make the final appointment.
The SMOB running process has taught Wu to be bold and not be afraid of the outcome, whether winning or losing.
“This application and campaign process, like everything else in life, will be a learning experience regardless of the result,” said Wu.
