The Hampton Bays Board of Education has appointed high school seniors Vasyl Datsyuk and Kaden Nappi and junior Emma Schultheis as its student ex officio board members for the remainder of the school year. As non-voting board members, Datsyuk, Nappi and Schultheis will provide regular reports on the student body at each board meeting and contribute valuable perspective and feedback to board discussions.

“We are proud to welcome these three exceptional students as ex officio members of the board of education,” said Superintendent of Schools Lars Clemenson. “Their voices and perspectives will provide valuable insight as we make decisions that impact our schools and community.”

The students were selected following an application process that included an essay. Datsyuk wrote about the importance of communication between students, administrators and teachers, Nappi focused on thwarting vaping in schools and Schultheis discussed the importance of leadership.

The ex officio members serve to provide the board with student voices and help set the groundwork for future ex officio members.

In addition to his volunteer position on the board, Datsyuk is co-president of his school’s Thespian Society, president of the Science Honor Society, vice president of the Math Honor Society and a member of the National Honor Society. He also plays trombone in the jazz band and participates in Interact and Peer Educators. He intends to study aerospace engineering in college.

Nappi dedicates his time to working every day after school at Quogue-Sinclair Fuel. With an interest in the trades, he plans to pursue a degree in HVACR technology at Suffolk County Community College.

Schultheis serves as president of the Class of 2027 and participates in service clubs including Interact, Leo Club, Varsity Club and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She is also a member of the National, Math and Tri-M Music honor societies. She is a singer, a bass clarinetist and a three-season athlete playing lacrosse, basketball and volleyball. She plans to study health sciences after graduation.

The Hampton Bays School District congratulates these students and looks forward to their future accomplishments.

Date Added: 4/1/2026