Two Halton District School Board students have been appointed to the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Minister's Student Advisory Council.

Minal Mawaz-Khan, from Oakville Trafalgar High School, and Ahad Minhas, from White Oaks High School, were appointed to sit on next year’s influential council. Students were required to submit biographies of themselves.

The Minister's Student Advisory Council is a group of 60 students from all school boards of the provincial education system (English, French, Public and Catholic). Members share their ideas and advice with the Minister of Education on how to ensure Ontario's schools remain the best in the world. The council, the ministry explains, is about empowering students to 'be the change.' The province says the council is an opportunity to think big and take action to help other students.

Students meet with the Minister of Education twice during the year to share their ideas. Council members are also invited to attend their Regional Student Forum.

Mawaz-Khan says she is “excited” about joining the council, with her main goal being addressing multiculturalism in the school system.

Minhas says his goal on the council is to "help increase academic motivation. Being accepted for the program is a wonderful experience. The best part is that we know we have a voice and we can make a difference."

Students in Grades 7 to 12, you are eligible to be part of the council. Everyone is welcome to apply and no special qualifications are required, the ministry says.

To learn more about the Minister’s Student Advisory Council, click here.