Sixteen new members have been selected to serve on the Kentucky Department of Education’s 2026-2027 Commissioner’s Student Advisory Council and one of them is from Christian County.
According to a news release, this council was established to gather student feedback on issues impacting students across the state, connecting students with KDE staff to help develop ideas and strengthen student voices. The group meets regularly with Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher, both in person and virtually, to discuss how decisions made at the state level are affecting students throughout Kentucky.
One of those students is Christian County High School senior Rhianna Harrell. She was one of roughly 70 students who applied for a spot on the council.
Christian County Public Schools Superintendent Chris Bentzel says, “We are incredibly proud to congratulate Rhianna Harrell on her appointment to the Kentucky Commissioner of Education’s Student Advisory Council. Her willingness to share her perspective and advocate for students will make her a valuable contributor to the work of the Kentucky Department of Education. We are confident that Rhianna will represent our school, our district, and the Commonwealth with professionalism and distinction. We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to the positive impact she will make through her service.”