Madeleine Ayotte and Zainab Zafar are the 2025-26 student representatives to the board of selectmen. They are well-rounded in their school and personal lives and are enthusiastic reporters of all things going on at Granby Memorial High School. They’re also not hesitant to ask questions or offer opinions when asked to do so.
Madeleine is new to the board this year, her junior year in high school. She notes that friends urged her to apply for the position, and she was motivated to do so in order to be a voice for their concerns.
In school, where she was just elected to the Honor Society, she most enjoys her science courses: AP environmental science, chemistry and anatomy and physiology. At this point, she is considering a career in sports medicine, perhaps as an athletic trainer. This would combine her two loves: sports (she is on the varsity volleyball team) and science. She also participates in the school’s DECA program, which prepares high school students for careers through community service and leadership development activities through networking with peers and business professionals.
Outside of school, she is an avid reader, favoring fantasy and historical fiction. She also has developed an interest in 3D arts, for which she credits her sophomore arts teacher.
A senior at GMHS, Zainab is representing the school for a second year. She notes, “I want to be more involved in the community, more socially aware of the issues in the town.” She hopes to make an impact on decisions by offering a young adult’s perspective.
In school, Zainab’s favorite course is world affairs, in which she learns about social, economic and political current issues in countries around the world. She also enjoys yearbook class, where she has fun getting to be creative and “leaving her mark” on the school.
As an honor roll student, she enjoys the community volunteer work made possible through the National Honor Society. She is also in the French Honor Society, which hosts events that enlighten others on French culture. As a member of the high school band, she enjoys being able to play at events such as the football games, bringing spirit to the team.
Outside of school, she was president of 4-H, where she guided youth in their wish to give back to their community. She likes to read, hang out with her friends and family, and go to arcades, movies and parks.
At this point, Zainab has two possible careers in mind: becoming a neurologist or an entrepreneur. “I have a special connection to the business world,” she notes, and would like to learn more about it. It’s possible that she may find a way to combine the two!