Five JPS Scholars Named to State Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council

Five Jackson Public Schools scholars have been named to the Mississippi Department of Education’s (MDE) 2025–26 State Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. The group of 114 students from across the state will meet with Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education, to share their perspectives on policies and educational opportunities in Mississippi.

Representing JPS this year are:

• John Bell, Callaway High School

• Clarissa Coleman, JPS-Tougaloo Early College High School

• Jamia Dent, Provine High School

• Faith Malembeka, JPS-Tougaloo Early College High School

• Edgar Solis-Diaz, Murrah High School

The council is made up of high school juniors and seniors, along with first-year college students attending Mississippi colleges and universities. Members provide a direct student voice to MDE by discussing academic goals, challenges, and ideas that could strengthen learning across the state.

This year’s 114 members include 57 new students and 57 returning members. To earn a seat, students completed a competitive application process that required a cover letter, resume, and written responses about their experiences, concerns, and vision for education in Mississippi. Nearly 200 applications were submitted statewide.

The Student Advisory Council, launched in 2019, gives students a chance to serve as liaisons between their peers and state leaders. By sharing their experiences, members help ensure student perspectives are considered in statewide decisions about public education.

JPS congratulates John, Clarissa, Jamia, Faith, and Edgar for this achievement and looks forward to the impact they will make as scholar leaders on the council.

For the full list of 2025–26 Student Advisory Council members, visit mdek12.org/SSE/Student-Advisory-Council.