This article was written by: Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton, program director of Student Engagement and co-advisor of the APS Student Advisory Council
On March 6, members of the Atlanta Public Schools’ (APS) Student Advisory Council (SAC) and GO Teams visited the Georgia State Capitol on Crossover Day to witness the legislative process firsthand. Students observed debates, engaged with lawmakers, and explored the impact of key education policies on their schools and communities.
Before heading to the Capitol, attendees participated in a legislative briefing led by Chief of Student Experience, Erica Long, where they examined key bills affecting education and public policy.
Throughout the experience, students observed live debates in both the House and Senate chambers, witnessing the complexities of the lawmaking process in real-time. They also engaged directly with state representatives and senators, sharing their perspectives on proposed legislation and discussing broader issues affecting Georgia students.
Audrey Lyons, a junior from Midtown High School and a member of the March for Our Lives chapter, joined the SAC and GO Teams at the Capitol.
“I’m so grateful [we were] given a platform to share our message…Speaking at the Capitol was a great experience for all of us, and it made me appreciate the strong, intelligent group of students I get to work with on a daily basis,” she said.
Beyond observing, students took action—three secured internships with legislative offices, two conducted interviews with lawmakers for their school newspapers, and Atlanta News First featured students in a news segment, amplifying the importance of student voice in legislative discussions.
Aniya Terry, a senior and SAC delegate from Booker T. Washington High School, said she thoroughly enjoyed her time at the Capitol.
“I absolutely loved my experience at Crossover Day,” she said. “My favorite part was being able to converse with the members of the Senate regarding different issues and even voting on behalf of one of them. The overall experience taught me about civic engagement and advocating for student rights, which are two subjects I am very passionate about.”
“Attending Crossover Day was an incredible and educational opportunity that inspired me to remain involved and educated in local legislation,” added senior Savannah “Drew” Millman, a senior and SAC delegate from Maynard Jackson High School. “Having the opportunity to witness my representatives at work has reminded me of the importance of civic engagement, and I plan to strive to be the most active member of my community that I can be.”
Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton, program director of Student Engagement and co-advisor of the Student Advisory Council, also reflected on the annual event: “This experience was very beneficial to our students, and being exposed to local politics was very impactful.”
APS students gained firsthand experience in civic engagement at the Capitol, leaving inspired to advocate for education policy. In addition to Dr. Caldwell Templeton, special thanks to Keith Glass, community affairs manager for the Atlanta Board of Education and SAC co-advisor, Diane Jacobi, school governance liaison, and Chief of Student Experience Erica Long for organizing; and to Sen. Jason Esteves, Rep. Mekyah McQueen, Ed.S, Rep. Inga Willis, and Sen. Sonya Halpern for engaging with and encouraging our student leaders.
Discover more from APS Today
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
