Cedar Falls Student Named to State Learning Council (Announcement)

By Iowa Department of Education

Iowa Department of Education Director Jason Glass today announced 15 Iowa students who will serve on the Learning Council, a new state advisory group.

Members of the Learning Council will meet with Glass and other Department leaders to discuss key issues that impact Iowa students and schools.

The council will complement efforts by the Branstad-Reynolds administration to get input from various stakeholders across the state on transforming Iowa’s education system.

“This group of talented young Iowans will bring a refreshing perspective and thoughtful insight about improving education,” Glass said. “Students deserve a voice in the future of their schools.”

Students in grades 8-12 from public and nonpublic schools across Iowa were invited in January to apply for a seat on the Learning Council.

Selections took into account the applicants’ school experiences, sense of leadership, communication of ideas, and the size and geographic region of their schools.

The Learning Council will be a 10-month commitment that includes meetings in March, May, September and December. Council members also will communicate virtually.

Members of the Learning Council are:

Hannah Ritchey, eighth grade, Shenandoah Middle School

EmmaKate Wichman, eighth grade, Pleasant Valley Junior High School in LeClaire

Grant Gordon, ninth grade, Van Meter High School

Jack Hostager, 10^th grade, Hempstead High School in Dubuque

Apple Jackson Amos, 10^th grade, East High School in Des Moines

Sophia Babcock, 10^th grade, PCM High School in Monroe

Geoffrey Bruder, 10^th grade, Humboldt High School

Lillian Nellans, 11^th grade, Roosevelt High School in Des Moines

Mohad Aziz Azmat Awan, 11^th grade, Waukee High School

Tom Bowman, 11^th grade, Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines

Tessa Horn, 11^th grade, Manson Northwest Webster High School in Manson

Monica Figueroa, 12^th grade, Storm Lake High School

Sara Gabriele, 12^th grade, Cedar Falls High School

Andrew Patience, 12^th grade, Thomas Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids

Whitney Leming-Salisbury, 12^th grade, Central High School in Davenport