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Abi Douglas, Digital Media Specialist
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2024

PETAL, Miss. – Petal High School juniors Conner Reed and Sam Haydel, have been selected by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) to serve on the State Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC). The council includes students in grades 11-12 or first year of college to serve as members for a term of two school years.

Students from different backgrounds, school size and regions in Mississippi will be able to share their opinions and offer advice about educational opportunities and policy in Mississippi with Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education.

The SAC program began in 2019 and accepts new applications each fall for new members. Students are required to write a cover letter, submit a resume and provide answers to questions about their interest in the SAC, their accomplishments, educational concerns and overall academic goals.

“Our district is proud to have two exceptional student leaders like Conner Reed and Sam Haydel to represent our school and state. They will be excellent additions to the council, and I know they will serve the council well,” said Dr. Matt Dillon, Petal School District superintendent.

The council’s purpose is to provide a forum for Mississippi’s students to offer diverse perspectives to Evans. The selected students will act as liaisons between MDE and public-school students from across the state. They also participate in research projects that include topics such as mentoring, student representation on local boards and school safety.

Full council meetings will be held at least twice during the school year.

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