Village of Bolingbrook Launches Inaugural Junior Trustee Board Program

The Village of Bolingbrook is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural Junior Trustee Board Program, a new initiative designed to engage local high school students in public service, civic engagement, and community leadership.

From June 6 through August 2, participants will work alongside elected Village officials, gaining firsthand exposure to local government. Members of the Junior Trustee Board will attend Village Board meetings, community events, and official functions while contributing to research, meeting summaries, documentation, and special projects.

The program provides students with a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, learn how municipal government operates, and gain a deeper understanding of the important role local government plays in serving residents. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful community involvement, participants will help shape the future of Bolingbrook while preparing to become the next generation of civic leaders.

“We are excited to launch this inaugural program and invest in the future of our community,” shared Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta. “Congratulations to our inaugural 2026 Junior Trustee Board members! We look forward to your contributions and leadership throughout the summer.”

🌟 Shushan Arora
Mentors: Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta & Deputy Mayor Michael Lawler
A standout student at Bolingbrook High School, Shushan ranks 3rd in a class of approximately 747 students with a 3.89 GPA. He is involved in Model UN, National English Honor Society, Best Buddies, Mathletes, and the Student Advisory Council. His accomplishments include winning first place in the Congressional App Challenge for his public safety app, PrepShield, serving as a TEDx speaker, and conducting research at Argonne National Laboratory. Shushan is passionate about using technology, research, and public policy to make a positive impact in his community.

🌟 Madeline Gothelf
Mentors: Trustees Jean Kelly & Bhavini Patel
A 2026 graduate, Madeline served as captain of both her cross country and track & field teams while participating in multiple honor societies. This fall, she will attend the University of Illinois Chicago through the GPPA Law Program and Honors College to study Political Science. She looks forward to learning more about local government and public service through the internship.

🌟 Zachary Krol
Mentors: Trustees Jose Quintero & Troy Doris
Zachary graduated early from Bolingbrook High School in December 2025. His passion for history, government, and public policy was strengthened through Advanced Placement social studies coursework. He will attend Benedictine University this fall to study Political Science and is excited to gain hands-on experience in public service and community leadership.

🌟 Antonio Roldan
Mentors: Trustee Michael Carpanzano & Village Clerk Marti Barton
A Bolingbrook resident since 2017 and a junior at Bolingbrook High School, Antonio is active in the school's Music Department and Baseball Team. His interests include radio broadcasting, classical music, jazz, and sports. He is eager to explore public service and develop leadership skills through this experience.