Bryant Johnson, a sophomore at Eastside High School, is one of 50 students from across the state selected to participate in the Georgia School Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. The advisory council will meet to discuss decisions made at the state level that affect students.

According to Bryant's mother, Michelle Bryant Johnson, expressing his opinion won't be a problem for the 16-year-old.

"If there is a debate you will most likely be aware of his point of view," she said in an email. "Bryant is a motivated and focused young man with a sense of humor... Certainly we are very proud of him and of his appointment to the Advisory Council."

Approximately 450 students applied to be on the council, answering several questions and submitting their school and community involvement. Members are chosen by a group of Georgia Department of Education representatives.

Bryant Johnson is an outstanding student," said Eastside principal Dennis Roddenberry. "We are indeed fortunate to have him as a part of the Eastside student body. He is ranked third in his class of 361 students, with a grade point average of 97.6. Not only is he an outstanding academic student, but he embodies the kind of balance in his life that you would hope your own children could possess. He is a good athlete, member of the state championship academic team, active in his local church, and yet finds time to be one of the most popular students on the Eastside campus. It is evident that he is a goal-setter but more importantly, he achieves most of the goals that he sets for himself."

He will meet three times throughout the year with the state superintendent and act as a liaison between the state department of education and Georgia students.

"I've actually had the pleasure to sit and talk to Bryant," said Newton County Superintendent Dr. Gary Mathews. "He is a remarkable young man who's smart and wants to serve others. He's a leader among his peers. He will certainly make Newton County proud and well represented when State Superintendent (Dr. John D.) Barge convenes his advisory council."

Bryant is the son of Michelle Bryant Johnson and Judge Horace Johnson, Jr.