[ October 01, 2023 ] Abigail Barber, a Pickens High School student, was one of 69 students selected by State School Superintendent Richard Woods to serve on his 2023-2024 Student Advisory Council. Throughout the year, these students will meet with Superintendent Woods to provide feedback on the impact of state policies in the classroom.

Members of the Student Advisory Council will also discuss other education-related issues, serve as the Superintendent's ambassadors to their respective schools, and participate in service projects to benefit schools and students.

"This is a highly competitive process and we are proud of Abigail for being chosen to serve on the State Superintendent Wood's Student Advisory Council," Superintendent Dr. Travis Thomas praised. "We are looking forward to having her share her insights and collaborative experiences to help continue to move our district forward."

Each year, any student in grades 10-12 attending a Georgia public school may fill out an application to be considered for the Student Advisory Council. The application includes short essay prompts that allow students to share their ideas for public education and members are chosen by a committee of Georgia Department of Education representatives based on the applicant's response to questions. This year there were over 1,700 applications.

The first 2023-2024 Student Advisory Council meeting will be at the Georgia Department of Education's offices in November.