Star Power at the Legislature

The APS Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee has many leaders, and lawmakers were knocked out by their potential during a Roundhouse visit.

It didn’t take long for members of the New Mexico Legislature to see the future. 

And it sure looked bright.

New Mexico’s political leaders were awed Friday morning by the attitudes and resumes of Dr. Gabriella Blakey’s Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee – a group of APS high school students whose poise and promise were inescapable amid the daily chaos of a state legislative session.

By the time their short visit to Santa Fe was complete, some of the state’s most important politicians were predicting great success and even political stardom for young people who are still months or years away from graduating.

House Speaker Javier Martinez seemed to find a kindred spirit in SuperSAC member Kaylin Gonzalez. Both are Highland High products with a passion for the law. 

Gonzalez said getting that kind of notice was humbling, but she also was glad to connect with Rep. Janelle Anyanonu who hosted Gonzalez and fellow Highland student Ava Platt on the floor of the House.

“She (Anyanonu) was really open to us,” Gonzalez said.

Legislators were no less impressed by others in the APS contingent, including Eldorado’s Kayla Ngo, who was introduced by Rep. Joy Garratt as a future “senator or president”  on the House floor.

“It felt good to be recognized,” said Ngo, who speaks English, Spanish and Vietnamese. “They make you sound cool and all, but it’s just nice that your efforts have been noticed.”

SuperSAC is a group of APS high school students that meets regularly to advise the superintendent on issues affecting the district. Their meetings are often at City Center, but Dr. Blakey wanted them to experience the legislative process and meet their senators and representatives.

Even in their short time together, it was clear New Mexico’s political leaders were impressed by 18 members of the state’s next generation.

“Our students are proud to know there are people who realize these are the future leaders of the state, and several of these kids will probably be in the Roundhouse,” said a proud Dr. Blakey, who also was recognized by the Legislature for her work at APS.