West Liberty-Salem junior Ellery Wygal has been selected as one of only 16 students across Ohio to serve on the 2026-2027 Ohio Student Safety Advisory Council, an honor awarded by the Ohio School Safety Center to student leaders committed to creating safer and more supportive school environments.
Wygal’s selection continues a strong tradition of student leadership at West Liberty-Salem.
She follows fellow Tigers Ava Johnson and Abbie Thoman, who were previously chosen to represent the school on the statewide council.
Johnson served from 2023 to 2025, while Thoman is currently serving on the 2025-2026 council.
Created by Governor Mike DeWine in 2022, the Ohio Student Safety Advisory Council gives high school students a voice in shaping school safety initiatives throughout the state.
Council members work to identify student safety concerns, develop peer engagement strategies, organize awareness campaigns and training opportunities, present capstone projects at the annual Ohio School Safety Summit, and serve as advisors to the state’s Ohio School Safety Working Group.
School officials say Wygal is actively involved in academics, athletics, clubs, and community service at West Liberty-Salem.
Her selection reflects a commitment to student well-being, positive school culture, and ensuring students feel safe, supported, and connected.
During the coming school year, Wygal will collaborate with Ohio School Safety Center staff and fellow student leaders from across the state to develop student-led initiatives, create outreach campaigns, and explore new approaches to strengthening school safety and student support systems.
West Liberty-Salem officials said they are proud to see the school represented on the council for a third consecutive term and look forward to Wygal continuing the tradition of leadership and service.
A photo accompanying the announcement was taken at this year’s Ohio School Safety Summit at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Sandusky and features Wygal alongside Principal Andy McGill, current council member Abbie Thoman, and Dr. Greg Johnson.
