Jackson Public Schools
Student Board Representatives
Meeting Presentations
As student representatives of the board, these individuals are asked to review and study policies that are of interests to them and their peers. The recommendations provided in these presentations are strongly considered by the Board of Trustees for future policy amendments and changes.
Policies Under Review
Jackson Public Schools is proud of its Student School Board Representatives, who provide a scholar voice in district leadership and decision-making.
The Student School Board represents a cross-section of JPS high schools and serve as liaisons between their peers and the Board of Trustees, offering perspectives that help inform policies, initiatives, and the overall educational experience for scholars across the district.
Layla Ba, Callaway
Layla Ba is a senior at Callaway High School with strong academic and athletic aspirations. She plans to attend a junior college or university to play basketball while pursuing a major in biomedical engineering, with a particular interest in healthcare information. Layla is motivated to build a stable and successful future that allows her to live comfortably and achieve long-term financial security.
Layla is passionate about ensuring that the student body at Callaway High School is properly represented and that student voices are heard at the district level. She values open communication with district leadership and believes that student perspectives are essential in shaping positive change. Through her leadership, Lala is committed to advocating for her peers and strengthening the connection between students and district decision-makers.
Kaitlynn Henderson, Provine
Kaitlynn Bingham-Henderson is a junior at Provine High School with a strong interest in service and healthcare. After graduating, she plans to join the United States Air Force while pursuing a career in nursing, combining her passion for helping others with her commitment to serving her country.
Kaitlynn is excited to serve as Provine’s Student Board Representative because she values having a voice and believes in the importance of listening to diverse perspectives. She is eager to represent her school with pride, advocate for her peers, and contribute positively to discussions that support student success.
Artis Johnson, Murrah
Artis Johnson is a senior at Murrah High School and proudly serves as a Student School Board Representative. A high-achieving scholar and student leader, Artis is actively involved in Mock Trial (Captain), JROTC (Captain S-2/6), JPS Student Council Board, Robotics Team, Track and Field, and serves as President of MSCASA YAIS.
He plans to attend Morehouse College and pursue a career in law, inspired by the institution’s strong academic environment and commitment to leadership development.
Artis is passionate about amplifying scholar voices and ensuring that scholar perspectives are represented in meaningful decision-making. His leadership, service mindset, and commitment to excellence reflect the values of Jackson Public Schools.
Khalyse Johnson, Forest Hill
Khalyse Johnson is a senior at Forest Hill High School with a passion for leadership, advocacy, and service. Driven by a strong sense of empathy and personal life experiences, Khalyse aspires to become a mentor to young girls, helping them gain the confidence, knowledge, and guidance needed to thrive in all areas of life. Her goal is to ensure that young girls feel supported, empowered, and prepared to pursue their purpose.
Khalyse is excited to serve as her school’s Student School Board Representative, where she is committed to being a strong and respectful voice for her peers. Recognizing the unique challenges students face, she believes in the importance of meaningful advocacy and open communication. Khalyse values collaboration, actively listens to others, and confidently shares ideas that promote positive change. She is passionate about fostering a school environment where every student feels heard, supported, and valued.
Anna Martin, JTECHS
Anna Martin is a senior at JPS Tougaloo Early College High School, with Murrah High School serving as her home school. A driven and ambitious scholar, Anna plans to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), where she intends to double major in mechanical engineering and business. Her long-term goal is to become a highly respected professional engineer and business leader.
Anna is excited to serve as her school’s Student School Board Representative, viewing the role as an opportunity to advocate for her peers and help elevate scholar voice across the district. Once shy and reserved, she has grown into a confident leader who is passionate about ensuring all scholars feel seen, heard, and included in decisions that impact their educational experience.
Zyquira D. McClendon, Lanier
Zyquira D. McClendon is a senior at Lanier Junior–Senior High School and serves as a Student School Board Representative. A driven scholar and emerging leader, Zyquira is actively engaged in civic leadership and service as a former Global Citizen participant, student reporter for the Jackson Youth Newsroom, National Technical Honor Society member, United Way Youth Ambassador, and student class president.
She plans to attend Dillard University to major in Accounting, while also pursuing her passion for writing as a future published author. Zyquira also has a growing interest in architectural design and hopes to one day contribute to building and strengthening communities.
She is excited to serve as a Student School Board Representative to elevate scholar voices, advocate for positive change, and ensure that her peers are represented in meaningful conversations and decisions across the district.
Emaleigh Wilson, Jim Hill
Emaleigh Wilson is a senior at Jim Hill High School. She plans to attend Tuskegee University, where she will major in nursing with the goal of working in labor and delivery, pursuing midwifery, and traveling across the nation to serve diverse communities.
Emaleigh is excited to serve as her school’s Student Board Representative, as the role allows her to serve at a higher capacity and provides a meaningful platform to advocate for her school and community.
Zariah N. Wilson, Jackson Middle College
Zariah N. Wilson is a senior at Jim Hill High School and proudly serves as a Student School Board Representative. The dedicated student, who is also enrolled at Jackson Middle College, has a passion for leadership and the arts. She is actively involved in the school choir, where she demonstrates creativity, discipline, and teamwork.
Zariah aspires to become an educator and hopes to expand her global perspective through study abroad opportunities and international travel.
She is excited to serve as a Student School Board Representative to use her voice to advocate for scholars across both her academic program and home school. She is committed to representing her peers with integrity, thoughtfulness, and a strong sense of responsibility.