Two HCS Students Appointed to State Superintendent’s 2025-2026 Student Advisory Council

HENRY COUNTY, GA – Henry County Schools junior William Cardoza from Union Grove High School and senior Hannon Grimwood Moss from Impact Academy High School were recently named to State School Superintendent Richard Woods’ 2025-2026 Student Advisory Council (SAC).

Cardoza and Grimwood Moss were among 79 students selected out of 1,235 applicants statewide to share their views with policymakers in helping to shape public education and promote student success across Georgia.

At the beginning of each school year, students in grades 10-12 attending Georgia public and charter schools may apply to serve on the State School Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. Successful applicants meet several criteria, including the depth and clarity of responses to essay prompts regarding their ideas for public education.

In addition to presenting strong arguments on reforming public education in Georgia, both Cardoza and Grimwood Moss are exceptional student representatives and scholars.

William Cardoza

Cardoza attributes the success of his application to his ongoing efforts to improve school climate and culture and his commitment to enhancing the environment for students and staff.

“I applied to be a member of the Student Advisory Council because I wanted to be part of something that could make a real difference,” Cardoza said. “Being selected means I get to represent my classmates and share ideas that matter. I would like to see schools become better places to learn and teach, where students feel motivated, and everyone, including teachers, feels supported and respected.”

Cardoza has demonstrated his passion for enhanced learning experiences by voicing his concerns and seeking solutions for students and teachers. His essay, which focused on teacher turnover, underscored the need to effectively prepare, train, and support teachers, particularly new educators.

“It is a serious issue that affects students,” Cardoza said. “Because when teachers leave, it disrupts learning and creates instability. If we want better schools, we need to ensure teachers have what they need to succeed.”

While Cardoza champions meaningful teacher recruitment and retention practices, he also believes equity in access to education is the most pressing challenge in public education today.

“I think the biggest issue is that not every student gets the same chances – some schools have more resources than others,” Cardoza stated. “I would push for more support for schools that need it, including better access to technology and programs that help students, no matter their background.”

In addition to academic success, Cardoza prioritizes school and community involvement. He is an avid soccer player and believes sports have influenced his work ethic, focus, collaborative spirit, and overall growth on and off the field.

“I never thought I would get the chance to help shape something as big as education in our state,” Cardoza added. “It’s cool knowing that my ideas could actually lead to changes that help students and teachers have a better experience. I’m excited to talk about mental health and career preparation and help create an environment where students enjoy learning and teachers enjoy teaching. I hope decision-makers actually use our ideas.”

“I am incredibly proud of William for being selected to the State School Superintendent’s Advisory Council,” said UGHS Principal Dr. LaTonya Richards. “His commitment to academic excellence and leadership reflects the values we uphold at Union Grove High School. William’s voice will be a powerful addition to the statewide conversation on education, and I look forward to the impact he will make.”

Cardoza intends to continue playing soccer at the collegiate level and study finance to help people build better futures.

Hannon Grimwood Moss

Grimwood Moss prioritizes community service and leadership development opportunities and was among 50 high school students who graduated from the Model Atlanta Regional Commission youth leadership program earlier this year.

Applying to serve on the Student Advisory Council presented another opportunity for him to expand his efforts to serve his school and community and contribute to their growth and development. 

“I was inspired to apply to the council to continue my impact on educational practices,” Grimwood Moss said. “As a previous member of elementary, middle, and high school superintendent advisory councils in Henry County Schools, I was interested in continuing to make a strong, positive impact on educational policies, but on a larger scale. The collaboration and ideas from those meetings helped shape the district’s current Strategic Plan, which includes the establishment of the upcoming Henry County STEM High School. Seeing the tangible impact of our efforts was powerful. My goal is to continue promoting innovative ideas that will drive meaningful educational change, not just in Henry County, but across Georgia for all students.”

While his essay addressed topics such as school safety, student and school performance, STEM initiatives, and advanced coursework options, Grimwood Moss considers school safety to be the most pressing issue. His recommendations included strengthening controls at points of entry, installing improved surveillance systems, and increasing the number of School Resource Officers.

“It is crucial to engage student representatives in reviewing and refining the Georgia Department of Education’s policies and protocols, ensuring they fully address the current climate,” he stated. “When schools are safe, students can focus on learning and engage fully with their education. By prioritizing these issues, Georgia can continue to improve and set an example for others to follow.”

Grimwood Moss believes his longstanding passion for improving public education helped him earn the opportunity to serve on the state school superintendent’s advisory council.

“Being selected as a member of the Advisory Council is an honor for me,” he added. “The opportunity to collaborate and share unique perspectives with other student leaders from across the state, the Georgia Department of Education, and Superintendent Woods, while also helping guide educational policies in Georgia, is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and I’m excited about what the advisory will accomplish this year.”

From his involvement in student government to serving as the first student representative to the Henry County Board of Education, Grimwood Moss has worked diligently to advocate for students since middle school.

“I realize the power of the student voice in shaping educational policies, and that cemented my belief in active civic participation in school communities,” Grimwood Moss said. “I hope this year’s council will collaborate effectively to create a meaningful and lasting impact throughout Georgia. I am confident that our diverse perspectives, including what I bring from attending a small, hybrid school, will foster constructive dialogue and lead to comprehensive strategies that will benefit all students in every Georgia school. Enhancing performance isn’t just about scores; it’s about equipping students for lifelong success and creating equitable access to resources and support for all learners.”

Grimwood Moss’ extracurricular activities have also included serving as president of the inaugural junior class at Impact Academy High School, vice president of the National Beta Club and the Impact Academy Owl Ambassadors, a member of the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, and secretary of the Impact Academy Spanish and Culture Club.

Beyond HCS, he also actively participates in community service endeavors such as beautification projects and food drives.

“Impact Academy is proud and honored to have Hannon as part of our student body,” said IA Assistant Principal Dr. Teisha Waller. “We are equally proud to recognize his recent selection to the State School Superintendent’s 2025–2026 Student Advisory Council. Hannon exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to service. His willingness to represent not only the students of Impact Academy and Henry County Schools, but also to serve as a voice for students across Georgia, is a true testament to his commitment and integrity as a young leader.”

Nurturing Bright Futures

HCS students have served on the Student Advisory Council for the past three school years. The Georgia Department of Education initiative is one of many programs through which students across the district have proven the impact of an HCS education and the board’s focus on ensuring a high-quality, world-class education for every student.

“William and Hannon exemplify the values we seek to instill in our students,” said HCS Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “Beyond striving for academic success, their determination to make a difference in their school and community reflects our commitment to cultivating compassionate leaders and preparing students to realize their college, career, and life goals. They are proving that ‘bright futures begin in Henry County Schools,’ and I know they will continue to make a positive impact wherever they go.”

Cardoza and Grimwood Moss will serve as the state superintendent’s ambassadors to their respective schools, and during the membership period, will also fulfill a community service requirement in demonstrating their commitment to the organization.

The Student Advisory Council helps students appreciate the difference they can make in their community and inspires them to become lifelong public servants. By participating in community service projects and engaging with decision-makers, students enhance leadership, collaboration, and teambuilding skills and further hone their sense of civic responsibility.

 The council includes at least four students from each of the Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) regions in Georgia, representing schools in rural, suburban, and urban areas.