Luke Taylor, a rising senior at Daviess County High School, has been named to the Kentucky Department of Education’s Student Advisory Council, which provides insights from the student perspective regarding public education in the Commonwealth.
The council met on Tuesday to review responsibilities and discuss how public schools and student achievement can be improved. The discussion also focused on progress the council has made regarding an ongoing mental health awareness and support project and how to continue that area of focus.
Taylor said the conversation emphasized the importance of ensuring that all students feel connected to their schools with a sense of belonging.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for Kentucky students to share insights regarding policy suggestions for school safety.
“We considered the recent mass shootings across the nation,” Taylor said. “We examined the many emotions involved and talked about how we, as students, feel after such awful tragedies like a school shooting. Then we took a deeper look at why such awful events occur all too frequently and how to most effectively remedy this issue. I was happy to take part in these talks and will make sure to bring the knowledge I gained to local school and community leaders.”
Taylor said he hopes to make a positive contribution as he represents DCHS and the Daviess County Public Schools district as a member of the council.
“I’ve always thought of myself as being future-oriented, especially when it comes to something I am passionate about, like my education,” he said. “I think I have a unique ability to see how a suggested policy may be received and implemented. I would also always try to incorporate as many different types of groups of people in any plan, including joint cooperation between students, teachers, parents, administrators and state officials.”
Taylor, son of Dr. Brandon and Kimberly Taylor of Owensboro, serves as president of the DCHS student body, National Honor Society and Key Club. He is an active member of the Beta Club, academic team and Future Business Leaders of America. He is also involved with the Wendell Ford Statesmanship Academy and the high school ministry and missionaries-in-training program at Owensboro Christian Church.
Taylor said he is appreciative of the privilege of representing the voice of local students at the state level.
“I am very grateful to the many educators and mentors who have helped prepare me for such a wonderful opportunity,” he said. “I will serve to the absolute best of my ability.”
