Get to Know Anya, SRVUSD’s Student Board Member
Ilana Israel Samuels  |  Nov. 18, 2022 

When you first meet Anya Ayyappan, you immediately realize there is a spark in her eye. As an 11th grader at Dougherty Valley High School, she is the second student (after Ronit Batra) to serve on San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s Board of Education alongside the five elected trustees.


So where does Anya’s spark come from? Let’s find out! 

In 6th grade, Anya started finding her voice, as well as developing skills as an effective communicator and problem solver by participating in debate. By 8th grade, she started to feel even more empowered to use her voice by serving on the City of San Ramon Teen Council. This was a role she loved because it deepened her interest in and solidified her commitment to public service.


Amongst her many goals as an SRVUSD Student Board Member, Anya is motivated to increase communication between students and school leaders and help to amplify student voices. She believes that student perspectives are instrumental to effective student-centered decision-making. As a liaison between SRVUSD’s student body and the school board, she works to advocate for the wants and needs of K-12 students across the district. 


Anya is a staff writer for the Wildcat Tribune, the DVHS student newspaper. Her November 2021 article about how Physics teacher Tiffany Wu has persevered as a woman in STEM is not only enlightening but inspirational in how Anya connects the dots for the reader on how Ms. Wu’s hard work and persistence have enabled her to inspire the next generation.


Anya also enjoys traveling and exploring new places - their architecture and history and trying new cuisines. Venice and Paris are the cities she enjoys most. She enjoys reading and watching movies in her spare time, with ‘The Good Earth’ and ‘Moonlight’ being at the top of her favorites list.


Anya’s spark and passion for public service come shining through in everything she does. Her enthusiasm and determination to make a difference are clear, on the Board, and beyond. The spark in Anya’s eyes is exemplified in her words, the spark is present in her dedication as a leader, and the spark shines through in her actions. We invite you to join us in person or online at our next Board Meeting on December 13th to see that spark for yourself!