State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt announced the selection of the inaugural Super STARS (Students Taking Action for Readiness and Success) Council during the August meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE). This new statewide student advisory group is designed to elevate student voice among education leaders and strengthen engagement in public education across West Virginia.
The council, comprised of 15 students in Grades 6–12, represents regions throughout the state. Students were selected through a competitive process that included an application, administrator recommendation and video submission addressing key issues facing West Virginia schools.
“We must take student involvement seriously, and not only listen to them, but also address their concerns and recommendations. This will lead to stronger student engagement and will strengthen our system as a whole,” Superintendent Blatt said.
The inaugural Super STARS Council members are:
Amber Arora: Cabell Midland High School
Rhaina Botticher:: Berkeley Springs High School
Alexander Dennison : Braxton County High School
Hannelore Devine: North Marion High School
Natalie Grace Farmer: Pikeview Middle School
Juliann Gallaher: Clay County High School
Jake Gregg: Spring Valley High School
Anthony Hall: Cameron High School
Ross Pownell : Pendleton County Middle High School
Lilliana Robinson: Capital High School
Naim Smith: Keyser High School
Logan West: Tyler Consolidated Middle School
Kailyn Williams: Richwood High School
Hydee Wykle: Greenbrier East High School
Angela Yao: Morgantown High School
“I am grateful that so many students submitted applications and for those who will serve in this charge. They are providing a unique service to me, my team and the education community.”
Council members will participate in four meetings during the 2026–2027 school year, and Superintendent Blatt will host regional education meetings throughout the year.
For more information about the Super STARS Council, visit the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) website at https://links.wvde.us/3TUmpn4.