Be a Student Representative
Want to join for next school year? Details and application below
DEADLINE: April 20, 2026.
Ohio Scholastic Media Association (OSMA) student regional representatives provide student input for OSMA activities and increase student involvement. Two representatives (one junior and one senior) and, if available, one alternate (either a junior or a senior) are selected from each of the five regions in the state to form a student board.
Duties:
*Attend twice-yearly OSMA student board meetings, one at the state convention and one at another time during the year (usually a Sunday afternoon in August in the Columbus area). The student board meets at the same time as the adviser board but separately, with representatives reporting to the adviser board at the end of the two meetings.
*Plan and implement student-led sessions/events at the state convention and at their respective regional workshops in the fall.
*Student Board organization and leadership varies based on the unique makeup of each year’s Board, but leadership positions such as President and/or regional Vice President are available.
Term
Ideally, students will apply and be selected in the spring of their sophomore year and will serve two-year terms their junior and senior years. This will maintain a balance of experienced and new students on the board. Rising seniors may also be selected based on the projected openings or unique needs of the Board for the upcoming year.
Requirements
*At least one year of involvement in high school scholastic journalism, either on a publication staff or in a class.
*Willingness to attend OSMA events with their school’s publication staff this year, including a regional workshop and the state convention.
*Traits useful to the position, including self-motivation, problem-solving abilities, success in juggling many projects, faithfulness in completing tasks, good communication skills, etc.
*Nomination by your school. Each school may nominate no more than two students. Advisers and/or editors of the school’s publication(s) may develop their own criteria for selection of their nominees.
Benefits
*Opportunity to give input and perspectives to improve OSMA services to students and schools.
*Interaction with students and advisers from around the state.
*Leadership development.
To Apply
Click here to complete the online application. Your publication adviser must also submit a letter of recommendation via e-mail to Dean Hume at [email protected]. Both items must be submitted prior to March 31. Adult OSMA Board members from each region will select the new Student Board representatives, and selections will be announced at the Friday awards banquet at the OSMA State Convention in April.