School Board appoints student School Board representatives for 2026-2027

The Hampton School Board has reappointed Saige Holden, a senior at Bethel High School, and appointed Alexis Copeland, a junior at Hampton High School, to serve as student representatives to the School Board for the 2026–2027 school year. Josiah Porter-Jordan, a senior at Phoebus High School, was selected to serve as the alternate student representative.

 

The three students were officially appointed and sworn in during the September 2, 2026, School Board meeting.

 

Saige Holden

Saige Holden is a senior in the Academy of Law and Public Safety in the law and legal studies pathway at Bethel High School. She is passionate about advocacy and supporting her peers by amplifying the youth voice in the community and beyond. In order to do this, she has made it a priority to serve her community in unique and meaningful ways. She serves as LEAD Academy Ambassador, vice president of the African Students Association, president of the National Honor Society, vice president of the Math and Science Honor Societies, and more. 

 

Outside of school, Saige serves as the vice president of the Hampton 4-H Teen Club, an ambassador for the Southeast District of Virginia 4-H, a member of the Hampton Youth Commission, and was appointed by Governor Spanberger to the Virginia Education Student Advisory Board. In her free time, she plays volleyball, serving as the captain of the Bethel High School varsity volleyball team, as well as staying involved as a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church. 

 

Saige was recognized as one of the “Top 20 Under 20” in Hampton Roads for engagement with the community. In the future, she wants to attend Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, majoring in political science. She plans to come back to Hampton, Virginia to pursue a career in law and continue advocating for those in need. 

 

Alexis Copeland 

Alexis Copeland is a junior at Hampton High School in the Health, Human, and Financial Services Academy, in the counseling pathway. She is a member of the Mathematics Honor Society, a varsity volleyball and soccer player, a LEAD Ambassador, and is the former sophomore class vice president. Throughout high school, she has been named student of the month three times and has received honor roll recognition each year.

 

Outside of school, Alexis enjoys Bible study, playing volleyball, arts and crafts, going to the beach, and spending time outdoors. She serves in a leadership role at Liberty Live Church, where she is growing in her faith and working to encourage others her age to grow closer to God. She also enjoys helping with the elementary children at church and giving back to her community by picking up trash in her community and at the local beaches.

 

Alexis is passionate about helping and encouraging others, serving her community, and growing in her faith. After high school, she plans to attend a four-year college and major in psychology or child development. Her top three schools are Christopher Newport University, UNC Wilmington, and Liberty University. In the future, she hopes to become a child life specialist, where she can support, encourage, and make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families.

 

Josiah Porter-Jordan (alternate)

As a part of the Virginia Peninsula Community College’s Academy of the College Experience, Josiah Porter-Jordan is a dual enrolled senior at Phoebus High School. He is a student leader, entrepreneur, author, and community advocate dedicated to service and expanding opportunities for others. He serves as SCA class president, principal advisory chairman, and previously served as a LEAD Ambassador for Hampton City Schools. 

Through his professional and civic experiences, Josiah has worked with organizations including the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, The Modern Realty Group, Hampton Youth & Opportunities, and the Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, where he has worked in Operation Ceasefire and Victim Services. Recognized as a Hampton Roads “Top 20 Under 20” honoree, he has received multiple leadership and civic engagement awards, including recognition from the Governor of Virginia, both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly, and community organizations. 

He is the founder of Nocturne Cinematics and author of Still Standing: Survival Until Success. At the core of his work is a commitment to helping others overcome barriers, find their voice, and access opportunities to reach their full potential, a mission he aspires to continue throughout his life’s journey.