Leading the Charge: Meet VCUSD's Three New Student Trustees

VALLEJO, Calif. — Three students from across Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) are stepping into leadership roles this year, joining the Board of Education as the 2026-27 student trustees.

Sarai Portis, representing Jesse Bethel High School; Ibrahim Edais, representing Vallejo High School; and Samara Williams-Adams, representing John Finney High School, will serve as the student voice for their peers, bringing student perspectives directly to the Governing Board as it considers decisions that shape schools, programs and the overall student experience.

From improving communication and advocating for student wellness to finding practical solutions to everyday challenges, each trustee brings a unique perspective rooted in their own experiences.

Sarai Portis, Jesse Bethel High School

Born and raised in Vallejo, Jesse Bethel High senior Sarai Portis is an athlete, a leader, and an aspiring psychologist who hopes to attend Spelman College in Georgia.

Her desire to serve as student trustee was shaped by a classroom experience during her sophomore year, when she watched classmates hesitate to ask questions.

“The entire class was confused, but no one could find the courage to ask a question because we were afraid of making the situation worse,” she recalls. Looking around the quiet classroom, she realized fear shouldn't stand in the way of learning, so she broke the silence. “That moment showed me that sometimes all it takes is one person speaking up to help everyone else.”

As student trustee, Portis hopes to improve communication between students and district leaders while addressing concerns that affect students' daily experiences.

“Nothing changes if nothing changes,” Portis shares as a message to her peers. “I didn’t apply to become a student trustee because I have all the answers... My goal is to make sure our voices don’t stop at the classroom door.”

Ibrahim Edais, Vallejo High School

Incoming Vallejo High senior Ibrahim Edais combines his passion for videography with a desire to make a meaningful impact on his school community. Whether he's creating short- and long-form video projects or exploring future careers in medicine or youth empowerment, Edais is driven by a commitment to helping others.

He decided to serve as a student trustee because he believes students should have a voice in decisions that directly affect their education and daily experiences.

"For my term on the board, I hope to make student and teacher lives simpler and boost efficiency by relaying all relevant and practical information of school events, issues, and future plans directly to the board."

Among the issues he hopes to explore is how schools can address student phone use in ways that encourage learning while recognizing technology as a valuable educational tool. He also believes student representation is essential to informed decision-making at the district level.

Edais is especially proud of VCUSD's diversity, which he sees as one of the district's greatest strengths.

"Having a wide variety of cultures and ethnic backgrounds across VCUSD gives us such valuable insights and a strong problem-solving arsenal that allows not only our city, but our schools to thrive."

His advice to fellow students comes from the lyrics of Kanye West's "Homecoming": "Reach for the stars so if you fall you land in the clouds." He encourages students to make the most of every opportunity, knowing that the choices they make today can shape the future they build tomorrow.

Samara Williams-Adams, John Finney High School

John Finney High School's Samara Williams-Adams is passionate about supporting others both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to serving on the Jesse Bethel High School majorette team, she runs her own dessert business, Samara Sweets Delight, and hopes to become an adolescent psychiatric nurse.

Williams-Adams credits a mentor, Ms. Nichols, for encouraging her to pursue leadership.

“She encouraged me to believe in myself, step into leadership roles, and use my voice to make a positive difference,” Williams-Adams shares. “Her support motivated me to apply because she showed me that strong leaders listen to others, represent them well, and work to create positive change.”

As a student trustee, she plans to advocate for student mental health, equitable opportunities, and safe, welcoming school environments where every student feels supported.

Her message to fellow students is one she hopes they carry with them throughout their educational journey:

“Believe in yourself and be yourself. Never be afraid to use your voice, and always strive to be the best version of yourself. Every idea and every person has the potential to make a positive difference.”

Together, Portis, Edais, and Williams-Adams represent the next generation of student leadership in VCUSD. As student trustees, they will help ensure student voices remain at the center of conversations that shape the future of the district while inspiring their classmates to lead, advocate, and make a difference.