The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) today announced the launch of the Student Legislative Summit, along with the selection of 25 middle and high school students to serve on the 2026–28 Superintendent’s Student Cabinet. The Cabinet brings together students from across the state to provide insight, feedback and perspective on key education issues directly to the Department. Members of the Cabinet will serve a two‑school‑year term.
This year’s Cabinet will also serve as automatic delegates to the newly launched Student Summit, scheduled for Nov.16–17 in the North Dakota House of Representative Chambers. The Summit aims to bring together the brightest high school students from across the state for a focused, two-day legislative simulation. This year’s theme will focus on educational technology and artificial intelligence, offering lawmakers and state leaders firsthand student perspectives ahead of the 2027 legislative session. Additional student delegates from all 47 legislative districts will be selected through an open application process; high school administrators will be encouraged to nominate their best student leaders.
State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier has committed to hosting the Summit annually to elevate student voices in statewide policy discussions and help develop the next generation of North Dakota leaders. “I’m excited to continue the existing student cabinet format for a sustained conversation with North Dakota students. As a former high school government teacher, I’m looking forward to the new Student Legislative Summit to give more students the unique opportunity of participating directly in shaping the future of education policy. They will quickly learn the rewarding and challenging aspects of lawmaking.” Bachmeier said. “When students from all corners of the state come together, we establish a strong, informed foundation that can influence the future of our schools.”
The Department’s goal is to secure statewide participation in the Summit. High school students interested in attending may submit an application on NDDPI’s website.
NDDPI strongly encourages schools to nominate civic‑minded, high‑achieving students who demonstrate leadership, curiosity about public policy, and a commitment to improving their communities.
The members of the 2026–2028 Student Cabinet are:
Addyson A. Radermacher Nyame, 10th Grade, Mandan High School, Mandan
Alice M. Brooks, 10th Grade, Capstone Classical Academy, Fargo
Brady M. Walski, 12th Grade, Northern Cass Public School, Hunter
Brailyn R. Monson, 8th Grade, Alexander Public School, Alexander
Cambrielle M. Bryhn, 10th Grade, Century High School, Bismarck
Dagan L. J. Slade, 12th Grade, Dakota Prairie High School, Petersburg
Daphne N. Tredwell, 11th Grade, Williston High School, Williston
DoriAnn R. Schneider, 12th Grade, Dakota Prairie High School, Petersburg
Ellery S. Ames, 10th Grade, Fargo Davies High School, Fargo
Emilie K. Hessinger, 11th Grade, St. Mary’s Central High School, Bismarck
Emily J. Krueger, 11th Grade, West Fargo High School, West Fargo
Emma E. Striha, 9th Grade, Velva Public School, Velva
Harper R. Hurtt, 6th Grade, Valley-Edinburg Public School, Crystal
Heidi C. Olsen, 10th Grade, Central Cass Public School, Casselton
Jaidyn A. Roder, 10th Grade, May-Port CG Middle-High School, Mayville
Johanna S. Moch, 10th Grade, Kidder County Public School, Steele
Kailey M. Verlinde, 10th Grade, Divide County High School, Crosby
Lydia N. Sorvaag, 11th Grade, Northern Cass Public School, Hunter
Malcolm D. Ruhland, 6th Grade, Park River Area Public School, Park River
Matilda E. Lawson, 12th Grade, Langdon Area High School, Langdon
Olivia R. Beaudoin, 11th Grade, Hatton Eielson Public School, Hatton
Parker J. Robertus, 9th Grade, North Shore Plaza Public School, Plaza
Rachel A. Choe, 11th Grade, Fargo Davies High School, Fargo
Ryann E. Sellars, 11th Grade, West Fargo High School, West Fargo
Shilow G. Christianson, 9th Grade, Bishop Ryan Catholic School, Minot