State School Superintendent Richard Woods has selected 66 Georgia high-school students to serve on his 2021-2022 Student Advisory Council. Throughout the year, these students will meet with Superintendent Woods to discuss the impact of state policies in the classroom. One of the students chosen is Savannah Early College High Senior Jeremiah Salley.
In addition to his high school studies, Jeremiah is dually enrolled at both Savannah State University and Savannah Technical College. He has completed 52 college credit hours with 12 credit hours remaining toward earning his Associate of Arts degree in May 2022. His personal goal since enrolling at SECHS has been to graduate from college before graduating high school in order to get a much-needed head start in life
Jeremiah says, “I approach this opportunity with great humility and look forward to being a voice for my community. Hobbies of mine include drawing, gaming, running, and spending time with my family. Thus far, I have faced several challenges and I know that with God's help, I will continue to surpass my goals." Jeremiah's additional extracurricular activities include the SECHS Cross Country team, Beta Club, National Honors Society, and the Voices of Our Future Foundation.
The council includes representation from all regions of the state – at least four students from every Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) district in Georgia were selected. Members were selected from a pool of more than 1,000 applicants who applied to serve on the council; this year, students in grades 10-12 were eligible to apply. Applications were reviewed and scored by a panel of GaDOE staff members, and students were chosen based on the strength of their essay answers, which focused on their ideas for public education.
“Year after year, my Student Advisory Council is an invaluable resource as I make decisions that impact students across the state," Superintendent Woods said. “Getting to know these students and seeking their feedback and perspectives allows all of us at the Georgia Department of Education to make the best possible policy choices."
Because students who participated in the 2020-2021 Student Advisory Council only had the opportunity to attend virtual meetings, Superintendent Woods will also host two in-person meetings specifically for members of that council who are still enrolled in high school.
