East Coweta High School student Kate Collins is one of 50 students from across the state to be named to the 2011-2012 Student Advisory Council headed by State School Superintendent John Barge.
As members of the council, these students will meet twice throughout the school year to advise the superintendent and the Georgia Department of Education on how state policies are impacting the classroom, said DOE spokesman Matt Cardoza. The Student Advisory Council will also discuss other education-related issues and will serve as the superintendent’s ambassadors in their respective schools, Cardoza said.
“The Student Advisory Council is an invaluable resource to the leadership of the Georgia Department of Education,” Barge said. “This group will provide a unique perspective on how state policies are working in the classroom and allow me the opportunity to communicate directly with students in schools throughout Georgia.”
More than 700 students applied to be a member of the Student Advisory Council by filling out an application and answering an essay question. Students were chosen based on the strength of their essay answers, as well as their school and community involvement.
“We had a large number of qualified applicants this year, which made the task of choosing the members of the Student Advisory Council very difficult,” said Barge. “I think we have a great group of students, and I’m looking forward to our first meeting.”
The first meeting of the Student Advisory Council will be held Nov. 1 at the Georgia Department of Education in Atlanta.
