Among the distinguished assembly of 69 Georgia students appointed to Georgia’s State School Superintendent Richard Woods’ 2023-2024 Student Advisory Council stands out a shining star: Miracle Harvey, an accomplished junior from Arabia Mountain High School. Miracle is the sole DeKalb County School District (DCSD) representative on this year’s council, which means she will serve as a vital conduit between her peers and Superintendent Woods.
During the academic year, Miracle will take part in group discussions with Superintendent Woods to provide invaluable feedback on the impact of state policies on classroom learning. Apart from this pivotal role, the Student Advisory Council members are responsible for addressing a variety of education-related issues, serving as ambassadors for the Superintendent within their respective schools, and actively participating in service projects aimed at improving the quality of education and the overall well-being of students.
Miracle expressed her surprise when asked about her selection and acknowledged the honor with her characteristic humility.
“I just want to be the best I can possibly be in this new leadership role,” she said.
It’s clear that Miracle Harvey is poised to do her best to positively impact public education by representing herself, her school, and DCSD with grace. That’s what Superintendent Woods had in mind with this advisory council.
“Georgia’s public schools exist to serve students, and it is absolutely essential that we receive feedback directly from those directly affected by statewide policies,” said Superintendent Woods. “Every year, my Student Advisory Council is an incredibly valuable resource for me and my colleagues at the Georgia Department of Education as we make decisions that will directly impact the classroom. The students selected for this year’s council are a prestigious group representing schools across the state. I look forward to working with them to expand educational opportunities for all of Georgia’s children.”
Miracle learned of the state student advisory council after one of her teachers, Ms. Shenica Bridges-Mathieu, posted the link to the application in a class group chat. She applied to be a voice for students who feel unheard and unrepresented.
“Sometimes the adults may make decisions for us, and as students, we want to make decisions or bring our ideas,” she said. “I just want to bring a new perspective and help adults see a teen’s perspective. I just want to bring change and a positive attitude wherever I go.”
She believes that field trips, mental health, and wellness should be given attention and action by the student advisory council.
“I feel as though sometimes we are stuck in the classroom and not allowed to explore options outside of our other opportunities,” said Miracle.” I’m in an organization called TSA, Technology Student Association, and we go on a lot of field trips, which are really engaging. I want us to take a step outside of the classroom and go on more field trips, go outside, and explore things that we may not be learning in the classroom.”
Miracle is an exceptional high-school student who is dual enrolled at Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa Falls, Georgia. She maintains an impressive 3.89 GPA and actively participates in various school organizations. Miracle holds the position of Vice President in both the Technology Student Association (TSA) and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). She also serves as Treasurer of the National Honor Society, Secretary of the Student Government Society, and a student ambassador for Arabia Mountain High School. In addition, she represents her school on social media platforms.
She is also a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and the PILOT Program (Preparing Innovative Leaders of Tomorrow), designed to prepare students for solid leadership, legislative involvement, and public speaking. She is also a social media marketing intern at the New Black Wall Street Market in Stonecrest. Ms. Bridges-Mathieu, one of the advisors of the TSA, said Miracle is unquestionably a star student.
“She is that student with the ‘it’ factor. Every year, I get one of those students, and I knew that when I first met her, she had that ‘it’ factor,” said Ms. Bridges-Mathieu. “She’s always eager to learn, well-mannered, and extremely smart. Anything you give her to do, she can do it.”
The council’s first meeting is scheduled for November 9th. Miracle is excited to meet the council members and acquire new skills.
“I definitely want to gain better leadership skills and communication skills. My main goal is to network with people,” she said. “I love to talk, so I want to network and get to know more people. I also want to gain a wider view of different people’s perspectives. I’ll meet people from different counties, so I want to get to know them and see their perspectives.”