Fayette County was featured prominently at the White House when First Lady Dr. Jill Biden hosted “Back to School Night.”
The event included educators, school professionals, students, and families gathered from all over the nation to help celebrate the start of a new school year. Christy Todd, the 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year finalist, was invited to the ceremonies and given the opportunity to invite two teachers and two students to accompany her.
She selected 2023 Fayette County Teacher of the Year Michelle Shaw of Spring Hill Elementary and 2024 winner Rob Bell of Starr’s Mill High. Starr’s Mill High juniors Crista Alarcon and Krishna Khushalani were selected, and their mothers were able to join on the trip.
The event featured speeches from First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
“I had the opportunity to interview the United States Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, which was absolutely incredible and an opportunity I never thought I would have had,” said Alarcon, Editor-in-Chief of Starr’s Mill’s student-run newspaper The Prowler.
Student media gives students a chance to further their opportunities and learn life lessons along the way. Opportunities such as the “Back to School Night” are available because of scholastic newspapers and media networks that are offered in high schools around the world.
“Student media has given me a voice like nothing I have ever experienced,” Alarcon said. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve gotten thanks to The Prowler and the voice and confidence I’ve gained from having it.”
Starr’s Mill High student Ella Bissonnette contributed to the story.
Posted 11/11/2024
