APS students invited to engage with state lawmakers at national conference

Students from Atlanta Public Schools were invited to engage with state lawmakers from around the country during the 34th Annual National Black Caucus of State Legislators Legislative Conference Youth Congress Day. Two concurrent sessions, a youth house and youth senate session allowed students to discuss, debate and pass a range of bills into law. Legislative topics included school bullying, youth driving privileges, student performance-based teacher salaries and a standardized HOPE Scholarship eligibility reporting system.

Following the youth house and senate sessions, students attended the Youth Congress Day luncheon with state law makers, motivational speaker Dennis Rahiim Watson, and actor Hosea Chanchez. During the luncheon, Raven Tukes of South Atlanta High, Dorrian Swinger and Shaundrika Baker of Therrell High, and Marquez Allen of Washington High were awarded $500 scholarships for their demonstrated commitment to their community.