From left to right: School Board Vice Chair Kelly Poole, Chair Kyla Cromer, member Clark Menard, Blake Adkins of Woodstock HS, Natasha Ambriz of Sequoyah HS, Angelica Millen of River Ridge HS, member Mike Chapman, Morgan Feltham of Cherokee HS, member John Harmon, Ann Blakey of Creekview HS, Chase Thomas of Etowah HS, members Patsy Jordan and Rick Steiner, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower.
The Cherokee County School Board celebrated its Student Advisor and Student Delegates with a special send-off at the student representatives’ last meeting of the year.
The School Board has included a Student Advisor position on its board since 1999, and for the past eight years, a Student Delegate from each high school as well. Seniors are selected by the Principal to serve in the role for their last school year.
The students complete one year of service which, for the Class of 2019, included: attending all School Board meetings; giving input and feedback to the School Board; participating in meetings to assist the: Divisions of Curriculum & Instruction, School Operations, Support Services, and Technology & Information Services; CCSD School Nutrition department; Superintendent's Ad Hoc Technology Committee and Strategic Planning Team; and Comprehensive LEA (Local Educational Agency) Improvement Plan (CLIP) Review process; as well as sharing other suggestions and input.
The Class of 2019 members recognized for the service and commitment are: Student Advisor Chase Thomas of Etowah HS, and Student Delegates: Jessica Rios of ACE Academy; Morgan Feltham of Cherokee HS; Ann Blakey of Creekview HS; Angelica Millen of River Ridge HS; Natasha Ambriz-Villela of Sequoyah HS and Blake Adkins of Woodstock HS.
They each received special honor cords to wear at their graduation ceremony and, as they walked across the auditorium to be recognized, their college and career plans and an observation about their year of service were shared with the audience.
Student Advisor Chase Thomas of Etowah High School
Chase is headed to the University of South Florida in Tampa where he will be majoring in Exercise Health and minoring in Spanish.
His current career plans are to open his own physical therapy practice.
Chase said: “The student delegate experience opened my eyes to how large plans are crafted and tested before entering the county. It also provided me with my first experience in giving speeches... an invaluable gift. Thank you to the Cherokee County School District for this amazing opportunity!”
Student Delegate Morgan Feltham of Cherokee High School
Morgan will be attending Berry College to study Animal Science.
Her current career plans are to work as a Large Animal Veterinarian.
Morgan said: “I am so thankful to have been chosen as my school's delegate. It has truly been one of the best opportunities I have ever received. Not only have I learned so much about myself and the school district throughout this experience, but I also have had the chance to meet some incredible people who want to make a difference in the world as much as I do.”
Student Delegate Ann Blakey of Creekview High School
Ann is headed to Wheaton College in Illinois to double major in Economics and International Relations with a minor in Spanish or Political Science.
Her current career plans are to work with the United Nations or the State Department as an Ambassador.
Ann said: “I believe that the Student Delegate Program has truly opened my eyes to the innerworkings of the school system and has provided me with great friends and great opportunities. I am extremely grateful for this program.”
Student Delegate Angelica Millen of River Ridge High School
Angelica will be attending the University of Georgia to major in Interdisciplinary Arts.
Her current career plans are to work as a Graphic Designer.
Angelica said: “After participating in the student delegate program, I understand how professional meetings are run. I also found comfort in knowing that my county’s school board cares and listens to the student’s voice.”
Student Delegate Natasha Ambriz of Sequoyah High School
Natasha is headed to Yale University to major in political science and possibly double major in environmental studies with a focus on environmental policy.
She currently plans on attending law school, pursuing a career as a criminal defense lawyer and also hopes to run for elected office one day.
Natasha said: “The student delegate program helped me learn that I potentially want to pursue a career in public service, and I got to meet a super cool group of people from other schools that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”
Student Delegate Blake Adkins of Woodstock High School
Blake will be attending Auburn University as a student in its Professional Flight Program.
His current career plans are to become a pilot for Delta Air Lines.
Blake said: “The Student Delegate Program allowed me to become close and make connections with students from all parts of Cherokee County, and it allowed me to see all of the hard work and planning that goes on outside of the classroom to make CCSD one of the best school districts in Georgia!”
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