Northwest Georgia Students Joined State Advisory Council

Four local students were selected for the 2026-2027 Georgia Department of Education Student Advisory Council.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Secondary Education

Screen-print poster illustration of blank notebooks and a brass pen on a wooden desk, symbolizing the student advisory role. — Four high school students from Northwest Georgia have been selected to join the Georgia Department of Education’s 2026-2027 Student Advisory Council. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should students have a direct role in shaping policies for public schools in your area?

The Georgia Department of Education has named four students from the Northwest Georgia region to serve on its 2026-2027 Student Advisory Council. These students will represent their peers by sharing perspectives on classroom experiences and school policies with state education leaders.

Why it matters

The council provides a direct channel for students in grades 10 through 12 to discuss educational issues and policy initiatives with the State School Superintendent and department staff. This engagement ensures that state-level decisions reflect the diverse realities of students from public, private, charter, and homeschool backgrounds.

The council comprises students in grades 10 through 12. Selected members represent a diverse range of educational environments, including public, charter, private, and homeschool programs.

The players

Elijah Ely

He is a student at Model High School in Floyd County.

Lillian Elliott

She is a student at Cartersville High School in Bartow County.

Violet Jolly

She is a student at East Paulding High School in Paulding County.

Yash Garg

He is a student at Rome High School in Floyd County.

Georgia Department of Education

This state agency manages the public school system and facilitates student engagement programs.

The details

The selected students from Northwest Georgia attend schools in Floyd, Bartow, and Paulding counties. They will meet regularly with Department of Education officials throughout the academic year to offer feedback on current classroom environments.

The students will serve on the advisory council throughout the 2026-2027 school year.

Culture Shift

The Student Advisory Council reflects a broader shift toward integrating student perspectives into state-level decision-making processes. This structure moves away from top-down administrative mandates, favoring a collaborative model that values direct input from the classroom.

Students and families in Floyd, Bartow, and Paulding counties now have local representatives to voice concerns or feedback regarding state education policies. This participation can influence the practical implementation of academic initiatives and school regulations at the district level.

The takeaway

The appointment of these students ensures that regional voices are considered in state education planning throughout the school year. Families are encouraged to engage with their local student representatives to help communicate community-specific needs to state officials.