Two Coweta County School System students have been named to the Georgia School Superintendent’s 2018-19 Student Advisory Council.

Aaliyah Phillips, of East Coweta High School, and Jessica Hicks, of the Central Educational Center, were both chosen for the state-level council this week.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods selected over 120 Georgia students to serve on his annual Student Advisory Council. Members were selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 students who applied to serve.

Students were chosen based on the strength of their essay answers, which focused on their ideas for public education as well as their community service experience. The students selected attend public schools all over the state, in every RESA district in Georgia.

Throughout the school year, these middle and high school students will meet with the state superintendent to discuss the impact of state policies in the classroom. Members of the Student Advisory Council will also discuss other issues related to education, serve as the Superintendent’s ambassadors to their respective schools, and participate in service projects to benefit schools and students.

“I am super excited,” said Phillips, a junior at East Coweta High who is a member of the track team and several clubs.  She said she wants to discuss the need for immunizations, and also wants to advocate for creative work experiences in the classroom.  Phillips credits Lee Middle School teacher Renee Ratcliff for inspiring her to apply for this year’s council.

Hicks is an 8th grader from Madras Middle School who is studying at the Central Educational Center as a part of the school’s 8th Grade Academy, and studies broadcasting, among other pursuits.  She wants to encourage Georgia schools to form student ambassadors who visit other schools and investigate best classroom practices. Phillips credits her mother for encouraging her to apply for the student council.
Both students are looking forward to attending their first meeting in October, and are excited about meeting students from around the state.

“Every day, I’m faced with choices that will directly affect Georgia’s kids,” said state Superintendent Richard Woods. “Because of the students who serve on this council, I’m better able to make sound, informed decisions. I deeply value their input and involvement.”