FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 6, 2025
Yazoo City High School student Percy Luckett has been selected to represent his peers on the Mississippi Department of Education’s (MDE) Student Focus Group. The group will play a key role in shaping Mississippi’s new Strategic Plan for PreK–12 Education, which will guide the future of public education across the state for the next five years.
Dr. Lance Evans, State Superintendent of Education, extended the invitation to Percy and other student leaders from across Mississippi. The focus group will provide a platform for students to share their perspectives on the strengths and challenges within public schools.
“The voices of students are essential in building a vision that truly prepares every child for success,” Dr. Evans stated in his invitation.
The Student Focus Group, which will meet virtually via Zoom, will include 10–12 student representatives. Guided by a Student Education coach and an MDE facilitator, participants will engage in discussions about ways to improve student learning, school culture, and equity in education. Notes from the sessions will be used to inform the development of the statewide strategic plan.
Percy’s selection highlights both his leadership and his commitment to education. By sharing his ideas and experiences, he will help ensure that Mississippi’s students have a meaningful voice in decisions that impact their futures.
This honor places Percy in a unique position to contribute to a statewide effort that will influence classrooms, teachers, and students for years to come. His participation reflects the growing recognition that students themselves are vital partners in education reform.