By Amy Wallot
amy.wallot@education.ky.gov

Members of the fourth incarnation of the Next-Generation Student Advisory Council met with Commissioner Terry Holliday, Kentucky Board of Education Chairman Roger Marcum and other KDE staff and government officials during their first meeting of the 2014-15 school year.

They discussed bullying and school safety, counseling, dual credit and the student voice survey.

During lunch, the students shared their thoughts with the commissioner about access to technical information, end-of-course exams and charter schools. They also discussed the differences and similarities between teachers they like and effective teachers.

It’s always interesting to hear what the council members have to say. Not only do they give a different and very important perspective, but it is surprising to me how aware they are of how education policy affects them.

Stephanie Siria, KDE liaison to the council, said she was excited to see inclusion in the council expand. She noted that this is the first year with representation from Hardin, Floyd and Trigg counties.

The new members of the council are:

  • Byron Cox – 10th grade, South Floyd High School (Floyd County)
  • Grayson Ford – 10th grade, Trigg County High School
  • Charlese Matthews – 12th grade, Western High School (Jefferson County)
  • Kenzy Moore – 11th grade, Russell High School (Russell Independent)
  • Emily Salamanca – 11th grade, Henry Clay High School (Fayette County)
  • Benjamin West – 11th grade, Central Hardin High School (Hardin County)

The returning members are:

  • Nolan Calhoun – 11th grade, Grant County High School
  • Zachary Creekmore – 12th grade, Whitley County High School
  • Karson Johnson – 11th grade, Marshall County High School
  • Deanie Pedigo – 11th grade, Barren County High School
  • Quincy Penn – 12th grade, Frankfort High School (Frankfort Independent)
Next-Generation Student Advisory Council new members junior Kenzy Moore and sophomore Byron Cox discuss with Commissioner Terry Holliday what issues they would like to tackle while on the council. Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 29, 2014

Next-Generation Student Advisory Council members Kenzy Moore and Byron Cox discuss with Commissioner Terry Holliday what issues they would like to tackle while on the council.
Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 29, 2014

Trigg County High School sophomore Grayson Ford listens as Holliday welcomes the Next-Generation Student Council. Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 29, 2014

Trigg County High School sophomore Grayson Ford talks to  Holliday.
Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 29, 2014

Western High School (Jefferson County) senior Charlese Matthews talks about access to classes with the Next-Generation Student Council. Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 29, 2014

Western High School (Jefferson County) senior Charlese Matthews talks about access to classes with the Next-Generation Student Council.
Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 29, 2014

Commissioner Terry Holliday asked students on the Next-Generation Student Council about their access to technical education classes. Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 29, 2014

Holliday asked students on the council about their access to technical education classes.
Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 29, 2014

Next-Generation Student Advisory Council members are: (front row) Zachary Creekmore, Whitley County High School; Karson Johnson, Marshall County High School; Commissioner Terry Holliday; Deanie Pedigo, Barren County High School; Quincy Penn, Frankfort High School (Frankfort Independent); (back row) Emily Salamanca, Henry Clay High School (Fayette County); Charlese Matthews, Western High School (Jefferson County); Benjamin West, Central Hardin High School (Hardin County); Byron Cox, South Floyd High School (Floyd County), Grayson Ford, Trigg County High School and Kenzy Moore, Russell High School (Russell Independent). Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 29, 2014

Next-Generation Student Advisory Council members are: (front row) Zachary Creekmore, Whitley County High School; Karson Johnson, Marshall County High School; Commissioner Terry Holliday; Deanie Pedigo, Barren County High School; Quincy Penn, Frankfort High School (Frankfort Independent); (back row) Emily Salamanca, Henry Clay High School (Fayette County); Charlese Matthews, Western High School (Jefferson County); Benjamin West, Central Hardin High School (Hardin County); Byron Cox, South Floyd High School (Floyd County), Grayson Ford, Trigg County High School and Kenzy Moore, Russell High School (Russell Independent).
Photo by Amy Wallot, Oct. 29, 2014