Amana Student, Jude B., Selected for National Student Advisory Council

Jude B., a fifth grader at Amana Academy West Atlanta, has been selected to serve on EL Education’s National Student Advisory Council (SAC), alongside 5 other students from EL schools around the country.  These 6 were selected from among 111 applicants. SAC is a two-year leadership opportunity for students in EL Education schools. SAC members help shape decisions that impact their schools and the broader education community.

A fifth grader at Amana AcademyWest Atlanta, Jude is a thoughtful and steady leader who believes that being fully yourself is a superpower. He is committed to building school cultures where every student feels seen, heard, and valued, especially in a young school still shaping its traditions. From serving as a student docent at the EL National Conference to welcoming new families with campus tours, Jude leads with warmth, humility, and a deep sense of crew.

Whether standing confidently at a microphone in front of hundreds of educators or quietly checking in, “Are you good?” while helping reset classrooms, Jude shows maturity, compassion, and responsibility beyond his years. A choir leader and food ministry organizer at his church, he brings faith, service, and action together in meaningful ways. With a strong voice and an even stronger heart, Jude is ready to help inspire positive change on the Student Advisory Council and beyond.

What do students do as members of EL Education’s Student Advisory Council?

• Share student perspectives with EL Education leaders and partners
• Speak on panels and at conferences
• Co-create blogs, videos, and other media
• Help plan and facilitate meetings and events
• Serve as listening leaders and advocates for their peers
• Build leadership skills with guidance from dedicated advisors
• Earn a $2,000 honorarium for their two-year service commitment