Student Voices: Advisor and Delegates Lead the Way
The Cherokee County
School Board stays connected
to students through
an award-winning engagement
program.
Based on a shared goal
of wanting to hear from
students and let their
viewpoints influence
governance and leadership,
the School Board more
than 20 years ago began its
Student Advisor to the
School Board Program.
The initial program
included one Student
Advisor, a high school
senior selected based on
outstanding academic
performance, school and
community involvement,
and interest in service and
leadership. The role
rotated among CCSD’s high
schools each year. The
program proved successful,
giving School Board members
and Superintendent
greater insight into the
views of students and
greater access, as the
Student Advisor attended
all School Board meetings
and participated in Superintendent
Ad Hoc Committees.
Following its early
success, the School Board
10 years ago expanded the
program to also include a
Student Delegate from each
high school – again, an
exceptional senior who
would represent their class
and school with great
thought and care. The role
of Student Advisor then
became a rotating honor,
which moved from high
school to high school; in
addition to being the lead
representative, the Student
22 CLASS ACT | 2022-2023
School Board and Student Advisor and Delegates at the May 2022 meeting. The 2021-22 Student
Advisor was Jason Adkins of Woodstock HS. Student Delegates were: Lillie Cate Ergle of Cherokee
HS; Ty Hubert of Creekview HS; Emily Collins of Etowah HS; Brian Bradley of River Ridge HS;
Advisor sits on the dais
with the School Board
during the meetings, with
the Student Delegates in
the audience front row.
Since the program’s
inception, the Student
Advisor and Delegates have
been called upon by School
Board members to weigh in
on issues, sometimes
contentious, that would
affect their education and
overall student experience.
Their opinions have been
influential for School Board
members over the years on
issues such as revising
senior capstone project
expectations, determining
graduation ceremony
location, increasing school
safety and security, and setting
CCSD’s new longrange
strategic plan.
“This program creates a
powerfully positive culture
and climate of collaboration,”
School Board Chair
Kyla Cromer said.
“Through our Student
Advisor & Student Delegates
to the School Board
Program, we can truly hear
and listen to our students.”
The Advisor and Delegates
begin their role at the
August School Board
meeting and serve through
the end of the school year.
They are recognized for
their service at the May
School Board meeting,
where they receive special
graduation cords and a gift
card of appreciation,
sponsored by the Cherokee
County Educational Foundation.
This school year’s
Student Advisor is Carson
Heath of Creekview HS,
and this year’s Delegates
are: of Cherokee HS,
Catherine Butterworth; of
Etowah HS, Erin Bradley;
of River Ridge HS, Emily
Paulson; of Sequoyah HS,
Taryn Lorelai Mareau; and
of Woodstock HS, Lydia
Lord.
In 2018, School Board
members asked how the
Student Advisor and
Delegates could play an
even greater role in their
governance. This question
led to the launch of strategic
work sessions designed
specifically for these student
leaders. The Student
Advisor and Delegates now
meet regularly with the
Superintendent’s senior
staff to share their feedback
on new CCSD initiatives
and other important topics
expected to come before
Elyse Robbins of Sequoyah HS.