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CHARLESTON - Two students from north-central West Virginia have been named to a new advisory group designed to strengthen community engagement in public schools across the state.
Hannelore Devine of Mannington's North Marion High School and Angela Yao of Morgantown High are among the 15 students selected earlier this month for the inaugural West Virginia Super STARS (Students Taking Action for Readiness and Success) council.
The council, according to State Schools Superintendent Michele Blatt, will give voice to a population that she said needs to be heard.
"We must take student involvement seriously, and not only listen to them - but also address their concerns and recommendations," the superintendent said.
"This will lead to stronger student engagement," she added," and will strengthen our system as a whole."
A total of 15 students, spanning grades 6-12, were selected through a process which included recommendations from administrators at their respective schools - plus a video submission chronicling what students saw as issues in public education across West Virginia.
The students will participate in four meetings a year of the state Board of Education, with Superintendent Blatt hosting other regional meetings with them during the school year.
Other members:
Amber Arora, Cabell Midland High School
Rhania Botticher, Berkeley Springs High School
Alexander Dennison, Braxton County High School
Natalie Grace Farmer, Pikeview Middle School
Juliann Gallaher, Clay County High School
Jake Gregg, Spring Valley High School
Anthony Hall, Cameron High School
Ross Pownell, Pendleton County Middle-High School
Lilliana Robinson, Capital High School
Naim Smith, Keyser High School
Logan West, Tyler Consolidated Middle School
Kailyn Williams, Richwood High School
Hydee Wykle, Greenbrier East High School
"I am grateful that so many students submitted and for those who will serve in this charge," Blatt said. "They are providing a unique service to the education community."
Visit the state Department of Education online for more information on the council.