Tift County Schools is proud to announce that Stella Byrnes, a junior at Tift County High School, has been selected to serve on State School Superintendent Richard Woods’ 2026–2027 Student Advisory Council.
Stella is one of 85 Georgia students selected from 1,427 applicants statewide. Her selection provides an opportunity to represent Tift County while contributing to conversations about public education in Georgia.
Throughout the school year, council members will meet with Superintendent Woods to share their experiences, discuss education-related issues, and provide feedback on how state policies affect students. Members serve as a connection between the Georgia Department of Education and students across the state, bringing student perspectives to discussions about educational policies and opportunities.
Council members also serve as ambassadors for the Superintendent and complete service projects benefiting their schools and communities. These projects allow students to put their ideas into action, develop leadership skills, and address needs they identify around them.
Students in grades 10–12 were invited to apply through an application that included short essay responses. Georgia Department of Education staff selected members based on the quality and thoughtfulness of their responses, which addressed topics such as curriculum, graduation requirements, school safety, student well-being, literacy, and access to educational opportunities.
The council includes students from each of Georgia’s Regional Educational Service Agency regions and represents a variety of schools and communities across the state.
Tift County Schools congratulates Stella on this outstanding achievement. We know she will represent Tift County well and look forward to the ideas and perspectives she will contribute to the council.
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