“I am very excited to be selected for the State Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council,” said Petrey. “It is an honor to represent Thomas County and Thomas County Middle School.”

Throughout the school year, these middle and high school students will meet with Superintendent Woods 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.

In his new role, Petrey said he wants to help make other decisions that will affect himself and his fellow classmates.

“I think it will be exciting and rewarding to be a part of a team that evaluates ideas, suggests changes, and impacts students across the state,” Petrey said. “I hope to help make school a place where students can use ‘real life’ skills such as time management, budgeting or how to do taxes.”

Petrey added, “As an eighth-grade student, I am already focused on higher education. However, I notice that some students, including myself, struggle with time management skills, social skills, and everyday knowledge. School is extremely concentrated on academic achievements, but I think adolescents need to find a better balance between academic success and developmental needs that helps prepare us for high school and being an adult.”

“It is so important to me to hear directly from students about how decisions made at the state level are playing out in the classroom,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “Meeting with my Student Advisory Council allows me to hear feedback firsthand from those most affected by educational policies.”

The first meeting of the Student Advisory Council will be held Monday, October 21, at the Georgia Department of Education’s offices in Atlanta.