Each year, North Atlanta boasts students with prestigious college acceptances and high-level awards. However, students don’t just earn these accolades overnight. Extreme and persistent dedication is needed if students hope to achieve this level of success. Part of which comes from commitment to activities outside of school. Recently, two Dubs were given the honor of being selected for the APS Student Advisory Council. This council provides the opportunity for students to work with members of the Board of Education to discuss problems faced by their specific schools and the district as a whole.
To be chosen for this council, students were asked to submit an extensive application accompanied by a teacher recommendation asking why each student believed themselves qualified for the job. Senior Luke McCullough and junior Iridian Ramos-Santiago did not let the daunting task of completing the application set them back. They both worked to show their dedication through the process and prove themselves as worthy candidates. All their hard work paid off when the pair received the congratulatory email announcing they had both been selected for the council. “I was just elated when I saw the email because I had heard so much about how great of an opportunity it was,” McCullough said.
For these students, getting onto the council was just the start. Once accepted, both students committed to monthly meetings and to what could turn into weekly committee-specific meetings. These committees are comprised of 5-6 board members and focus on specific areas of school life that could be improved district-wide. Ramos-Santiago is a part of the finance committee that works to fund innovation and close the gap between students of all economic backgrounds. The partnership of committees with actual APS board members allows them opportunities to enact real solutions to problems. Ramos-Santiago hopes to help encourage kids around the district to be the innovators of tomorrow. “I love being able to look through these funds and be a part of the decision-making process,” Ramos-Santiago said, “It’s students helping to make the right decisions for fellow students.”
For these two students, having the chance to both make a positive impact on their community as well as being able to stand out with unique extracurriculars will help set them up for future success. With two students representing the needs and aspirations of the North Atlanta Community, Dubs can be sure to see growth in the months ahead.
