In February 2021, an emergency lockdown at a MCPS high school—triggered by a credible threat—prompted a significant reassessment of security measures. In the wake of that incident, security measures were tightened and policies shifted as school officials argued that these steps were necessary for ensuring safety. However, many students felt that their voices were absent from the conversation, left to navigate an education system that prioritized stringent protections over their input.
Nearly four years later, WCHS junior Zaria Naqvi is determined to redefine school safety standards and student representation in Maryland. As a finalist for the Maryland Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB), Naqvi’s campaign is not merely a means to enhance her college application, but a genuine effort to effect change.
“One thing that sets me apart is my extensive state-level involvement,” Naqvi said. “I started doing state-level advocacy in middle school, and that has given me a deep understanding of issues affecting students across Maryland, not just in my local area.”
The elections for the 2025 Maryland SMOB have already begun, yielding two candidates: O’Marie Barnes of Prince George’s County and Zaria Naqvi of Montgomery County. The SMOB is a voting member of the Maryland Board of Education (BOE), influencing decisions on educational policies, budget allocations and administrative logistics. While only one student is elected, the role highlights Maryland’s commitment to student-led decision-making.
“My platform is very broad because it’s not exactly like I’m the president of the United States where I can just make executive orders,” Naqvi said. “My stance on mental health is clear, and my stance on educational equity is clear.”
Maryland counties take different approaches to school safety. In Prince George’s County, metal detectors and clear backpacks are routine, but surveys show nearly 60% of students report increased stress due to these measures. Naqvi’s campaign calls for balancing physical security with student well-being. Naqvi argues that mental health is just as crucial as physical security, advocating for more counselors, peer-led programs and stress management initiatives.
“School safety isn’t just about security cameras and locked doors,” Naqvi said. “It’s about ensuring that students feel emotionally supported and have access to mental health resources that prevent crises before they happen.”
Naqvi’s advocacy began long before her SMOB campaign. Even in middle school, she recognized the gap between student concerns and education policy. Her early years in student government were not merely to conform to traditional expectations, but to map out her vision for a more active role in shaping policy. As a freshman, she took a leap into statewide advocacy by joining the Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) subcabinet, an experience that gave her first hand exposure to how student safety policies were developed.
“People don’t realize that if there’s a bill in the Maryland General Assembly, you can drive down to Annapolis any day you want, enter the Senate House or the House of Representatives and talk to your legislators. It’s completely free and completely accessible,” Naqvi said.
Her work within MCSS positioned her as an authority on student safety, a reputation that extended into her involvement with the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC). According to a colleague at the MASC, First Vice President of MASC Madison Watts, Naqvi has worked with policymakers on student concerns and has been actively involved in advocacy efforts within Maryland’s student leadership organizations, regardless of the odds.
“I honestly say that I could see Zaria being the most impactable and influential with her work for school safety and mental health,” Watts said.
Naqvi’s platform reflects a balanced approach to policy-making. Fully aware that her limited term on the BOE means she cannot address every issue, she emphasizes the importance of taking clear stances on a range of topics, acknowledging that a truly secure learning environment is both complex and multi-dimensional.
“I think Zaria does a really great job of taking initiative and really trying to make those personal connections with people that will help her push policies forward,” Watts said.
As the final round approaches, all eyes are on Naqvi and Barnes. For Naqvi, this election isn’t just about a title, it is about ensuring students have a voice in shaping their education. Regardless of the outcome, her advocacy is already shaping the future of student leadership in Maryland.
“I think that’s something that’s really admirable about her: she really works for what she believes in and she doesn’t back down,” Watts said.
