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Dublin High School sophomore Tal Duke has been selected to serve on State Superintendent Richard Woods' 2024-2025 Student Advisory Council. Joining an elite group of just 75 students from across Georgia, Duke was chosen from a highly competitive pool of 1,550 applicants - further highlighting his exceptional leadership potential and commitment to educational advancement.

The Student Advisory Council serves as a bridge between students and state education leaders, providing direct feedback on the impact of state policies within the classroom. Throughout the year, council members will meet with Superintendent Woods to share their perspectives on what is working in Georgia’s schools and what areas can be improved.

“I was very thrilled, proud, and honored when I found out I was selected,” said Duke. “It was unexpected, but I’m excited to represent Dublin and have the chance to meet the State Superintendent, talk about important issues, and make recommendations that can benefit students across the state.”

The Student Advisory Council plays a critical role in shaping the future of education in Georgia. Members are encouraged to voice their opinions on key issues, such as improving student engagement, promoting academic success, and identifying ways to enhance the overall educational experience for students throughout the state. Duke has already identified some of the topics he is most passionate about addressing during his time on the council.

“One issue I want to bring up is reducing reliance on online work and bringing back more paper-based assignments. I feel like it helps students engage better and use different parts of their brain,” Duke explained. “I’m also interested in discussing ways to offer more personalized learning opportunities and additional tutoring, especially in math, which I think many students struggle with.”

Superintendent Woods expressed enthusiasm about this year's council and the valuable contributions students like Tal will bring to the table. “The Student Advisory Council allows students to share their feedback directly with me and other state leaders and to help shape the future of education in Georgia," said Superintendent Woods. "Their feedback, opinions, and perspectives” are crucial in making “the best possible policy choices” for Georgia's schools.

As part of his responsibilities, Duke will also participate in a service project, which is a requirement for all council members. These projects allow students to engage with their local communities, foster leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact. Duke has a strong background in community involvement, having volunteered with Dudley Baptist Church’s food drive, participated in local cleanup efforts, and served as a lifeguard at the city’s water park. He is also actively involved in Dublin High School’s Varsity Baseball Team, the Beta Club and Dr. Williams’ Superintendent Student Advisory Council.

Duke plans to make the most of this experience, which he sees as a stepping stone to achieving his future goals. Aiming to attend either Georgia College and State University or the University of Georgia, he aspires to become a veterinarian, citing his deep love for animals as his primary motivation.