For Adrielle Mays, being a student leader means more than sharing ideas—it means helping shape the future of education for her peers across Alief ISD. As a student at Alief Early College High School, Adrielle serves on the Superintendent Student Advisory Council, a group of student representatives who work directly with district leadership to provide valuable feedback, discuss important issues, and help guide initiatives that impact students throughout the district.
A creative and dedicated student who enjoys learning new things, Adrielle was immediately interested in joining the council after learning about its mission. "After hearing about the Superintendent Student Advisory Council, I was instantly drawn to the coalition of student voices that worked directly with the Alief administration team to address improvements needed within the schools," Adrielle said. "The straightforward, collaborative system is directly aligned with the type of environments I typically enjoy."
For Adrielle, serving on the council represents an opportunity to contribute to meaningful change while working alongside other students who share a commitment to improving their schools. "Being a member of the council means being part of a group that is working diligently to strengthen our schools and envision what they can become," she said. "It means remembering your purpose and sounding idealistic until your plan becomes realistic."
The council plays an important role in ensuring student perspectives are included in district discussions and decision-making processes. Through meetings and collaborative discussions, students help identify challenges and opportunities facing campuses across Alief ISD. "The council provides a student voice in the decision-making process by using student input to focus on specific issues present in schools," Adrielle explained. One initiative that stands out to Adrielle is the council's work to improve resources and support for English as a Second Language (ESL) students and those taking the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS). "Although Alief Early has fewer students than other Alief schools, I can empathize with the project because I know how much support these students need throughout the district," she said.
Through her experiences on the council, Adrielle has learned the importance of collaboration and open communication. She credits district leaders and fellow students for creating an environment where ideas are welcomed and respected. "Collaborating with other students and district leaders isn't difficult because everyone in the administration building is open-minded and ready to work for the area they love," Adrielle said. "The hardest part is working with the diverse array of perspectives, but the key to making sure my voice is heard is being patient yet honest."
Her participation has also helped her strengthen valuable leadership skills. "Throughout my participation in the council, I've developed better communication skills when speaking to larger groups and improved my ability to compromise," she said.
As the representative for Alief Early College High School, Adrielle appreciates the opportunity to ensure her campus is represented while sharing both its successes and areas for growth. “Serving on the council allows my school to be directly represented in the district," she said. "While Alief Early is already well-recognized, I'm grateful for the opportunity to speak as an insider about my institution's struggles and strengths."
Among her favorite memories from the council was participating in creative planning sessions for the Taste of Alief parade float. "I enjoyed the moment when the council was brainstorming ideas for the Taste of Alief parade float because it allowed everyone to be creative and work together," she recalled.
For students interested in applying to the council in the future, Adrielle encourages them to be intentional about their purpose and actively participate. "I would advise applicants to know their purpose for joining the council and make the most of it by speaking at every meeting and connecting with their peers," she said. Looking ahead, Adrielle hopes the council will continue expanding its efforts to support student well-being, particularly through additional mental health initiatives. "I would like to see the council accomplish more mental health initiatives for students," she said. "It was one of our focuses this year, but it didn't receive as much attention as the project to improve resources for ESL students."
Through her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to serving others, Adrielle exemplifies the voice, vision, and dedication that make the Superintendent Student Advisory Council a valuable part of Alief ISD's mission to empower students and strengthen schools.