DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Dothan City Schools has announced the inaugural class of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, a new leadership initiative designed to give students a voice while developing future leaders.
According to Dothan City Schools, the council brings together students from across the district for a yearlong leadership development experience through a partnership with Fearless Leadership Academy.
Students will take part in interactive leadership activities, experiential learning and community partnerships aimed at building confidence, strengthening leadership skills and teaching them to lead with purpose.
Throughout the school year, students will attend monthly sessions focused on communication, leadership, decision-making, civic engagement and community involvement. They will also learn directly from community leaders across the Wiregrass.
Students selected for the 2026-27 council are:
Ja’Haydon Franklin, Dothan Preparatory Academy, eighth grade
Emily Kate Hutto, Dothan Preparatory Academy, eighth grade
Crimson McClendon, Carver 9th Grade Academy, ninth grade
Ruchit Patel, Carver 9th Grade Academy, ninth grade
Kaleb Lawson, Carver 9th Grade Academy, ninth grade
Alani Cole, Carver 9th Grade Academy, ninth grade
A’Sahtu Sanders, Carver 9th Grade Academy, ninth grade
Eden Powers, Dothan City Virtual School, ninth grade
MaKenzie Goolsby, Dothan City Virtual School, ninth grade
Keirsten Saulsberry, Carver 9th Grade Academy, ninth grade
Alli Cole, Dothan High School, 11th grade
Kameron Jackson, Dothan High School, 10th grade
Kamila Watford, Dothan High School, 10th grade
Chad Snell, Dothan High School, 10th grade
Brody Apida, Dothan High School, 11th grade
Zaniya Davis, Dothan High School, 11th grade
Sydney McDonald, Dothan High School, 11th grade
Haleigh Copeland, Dothan High School, 11th grade
Keely Weber, Dothan High School, 11th grade
Jorgia Armstrong, Dothan High School, 12th grade
Fernanda Vazquez, Dothan High School, 12th grade
Jamauri Hart, Dothan High School, 12th grade
Olivia Steward, Dothan High School, 12th grade
Dothan City Schools Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew said the council will help prepare students for leadership while also giving district leaders an opportunity to hear directly from students.
“One of our most important responsibilities is to develop leaders for the generations that follow. The student advisory council provides one such opportunity for DCS’ students. The council also gives members voice concerning issues that matter most to them as students,” Askew said. “This experience will allow our advisory council members to add meaningful skills to their toolboxes as they continue their development as youth leaders in the community.”
Fearless Leadership Academy Founder Dr. Tiana Patrice said leadership grows through experience and service.
“Leadership is developed through intentional experiences, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to serve,” Patrice said. “We are honored to partner with Dothan City Schools in investing in these remarkable student leaders.”
The district said it looks forward to celebrating the accomplishments and leadership journey of the inaugural council throughout the school year.
