- October 5, 2026
Reece Derringe of Matanzas High School and Grace Brocksmith of Flagler Palm Coast High School were introduced on Tuesday, Sept. 22, as Flagler County’s 2026-27 Student School Board members.
The student board members will be permitted to participate in School Board meeting discussions as spelled out in new board policy. They will also serve as representatives of their schools’ student bodies.
“This is always an important selection for me,” FPC Principal Bobby Bossardet said in introducing Brocksmith to the School Board. “I'm not simply looking for the student with the longest resume or the highest GPA. I'm looking for someone who truly represents what it means to be a Bulldog. One of the things we are most proud of at FPC is the diversity of the students that we serve.”
Brocksmith stood out, Bossardet said, because “she understands that representing FPC isn't about representing one group of students or one perspective; it's about representing all of them.”
Brocksmith is an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate with a weighted GPA of 4.94. She is a varsity track and field athlete, a member of student government, a Link Crew leader and a Florida Girls State delegate.
“She has competed in the congressional debate, served throughout our community and has already demonstrated a willingness to lead and serve others in a number of different ways,” Bossardet said. “Grace is someone I believe our students can be proud to have speaking on their behalf.”
Derringe has already earned his AICE Diploma and has a weighted GPA of 5.18. He is a member of the National Honor Society and is vice president of Matanzas’ AICE program. He is also a College Board ambassador, a peer tutor, a student journalist, a varsity and club swimmer and a Flagler Schools lifeguard. He hopes to attend the University of Florida and major in microbiology and biomedical engineering.
“He has demonstrated discipline, compassion, strong communication skills and a genuine commitment to serving others,” Matanzas Principal Mike Rinaldi said. “During his interview for this position, his focus was never on himself, but was entirely on advocating for the students, representing their perspectives, and ensuring their voices are heard. That sincere commitment to others is at the heart of who Reece is, and will make him an outstanding representative.”
