Hadley Nicolas Steps Into State Role
Martha Layne Collins High School senior Hadley Nicolas has been selected to serve on the 2025-2026 Kentucky Commissioner’s Student Advisory Council, a prestigious honor that places her among a select group of high school leaders chosen to advise the Kentucky Education Commissioner, Dr. Robbie Fletcher, on issues affecting students statewide. Her selection reflects years of community involvement, academic leadership, and a strong commitment to serving others.
The Commissioner’s Student Advisory Council was created to ensure student voices influence state-level educational decisions. Designed for Kentucky public school students in grades 10 - 12, the council includes representation from all seven Kentucky Board of Education districts, at-large members, students enrolled in career and technical pathways, and one student each from the Kentucky School for the Blind and the Kentucky School for the Deaf. The council meets every two months, with at least two meetings held in-person in Frankfort during the school year.
Finding Her Place Through Service and Advocacy
Hadley’s journey to the advisory council began long before she ever applied. “I first heard about it from my mom,” she recalled. “I looked into it, and it was interesting to me. I had been volunteering for years, and this seemed to merge my interest in volunteering and education.”
While applying, Hadley completed a rigorous process that required transcripts, activity records, and three essays on leadership qualities, motivations for service, and the most pressing educational needs following the pandemic, with mental health being one of her main concerns.
Her commitment to service is deep and longstanding. “Serving my community is important to me,” she said. “It helps you learn more about the place you live and the people in it.”
For several years, Hadley has volunteered at Marnel C. Moorman School, beginning as an office intern and later assisting in kindergarten classrooms with Ms. Wheeler. She has supported students during learning stations, math class, recess, work time, and online learning through platforms like IXL. These daily interactions strengthened her desire to work with young learners and gave her firsthand insight into the education system.
Outside the classroom, Hadley has spent three years on the Louisville Youth Philanthropy Council (LYPC), where she has evaluated nonprofits, conducted site visits, interviewed community leaders, and helped award grant funding. She also served as a Student Board Representative and supported LYPC’s digital marketing campaign for Gate of Hope. This opportunity, she said, “opened my eyes to how nonprofits operate and how many needs exist not only in Kentucky, but right here in our community.”
At Collins High School, Hadley participates in multiple leadership organizations, serving as:
President of the Beta Club
President of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy
President of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
She also tutors weekly through Education Justice, providing academic support to students facing resource challenges.
Inside the Advisory Council
Hadley has already attended two advisory council meetings, one virtual and one in-person meeting in October, with another in‑person session scheduled for April 21 in Frankfort. She said the process of getting to know the other students has been both exciting and encouraging.
“We had a meet‑and‑greet in September,” she shared. “It was a chance to get to know the other students and start developing relationships before diving into the discussions.”
During their meetings, council members participate in structured conversations, small‑group work, and presentations with KDE staff. “We have discussions as a council, and everyone’s voice is genuinely valued,” Hadley said.
This supportive environment helped her grow quickly. “I was intimidated at the first meeting,” she admitted. “But everyone’s input was valued, and that grew my confidence.”
The council is currently working on two major statewide initiatives: The Attendance Matters Campaign, which focuses on chronic absenteeism and how attendance impacts student success, and Expanding Vibrant Learning Experiences, aimed at strengthening hands-on, engaging, and relevant learning across Kentucky schools.
In addition to those statewide projects, each student also participates in a self-selected issue project, which they will present to the Kentucky Board of Education later this year. The Council chose to explore postsecondary transitions, focusing on how to better support students as they move into college, careers, or training programs.
A New Perspective on Kentucky Education
Serving on the council has given Hadley new insight into the complexity behind decisions made at the state level. “There are so many moving parts in public education,” she said. “I get to see behind the scenes on things like attendance issues, Individual Learning Plans and pathways, and how schools create vibrant learning experiences.”
Her work on the council has also deepened her appreciation for Shelby County Public Schools. “Our community is very supportive, and our teachers really care; they won’t let you fall through the cracks,” she said. She praised the district’s new block schedule for offering students more flexibility and the ability to explore personal interests.
A Future Rooted in Service
Even after her term on the council ends, Hadley plans to continue making a difference.
“Yes, I definitely see myself continuing to use my voice in leadership and public service,” she said. “Even when looking at colleges, I want a school that emphasizes service.”
She also wants other students to recognize the value of stepping up. “It’s so important to be involved in your community,” she said. “Shelby County residents step up to serve our community. Our resources and community are unique, and we’re privileged to have access to such great support and education.”
Hadley credits several caring adults in the district for supporting her, including one counselor in particular. “Mr. Collins has been very helpful to me,” she said. “He’s not my assigned counselor, but he still helps me with planning for college and all that goes into learning after high school.”
A Leader for Her School, Her Community, and Kentucky
As Hadley prepares for the upcoming April council meeting and her final presentation to the Kentucky Board of Education, she remains committed to lifting the voices of students across the state. Her passion for education, service, and community leadership makes her an exceptional representative of Collins High School and Shelby County Public Schools, and her story is a reminder that when students are empowered to lead and share their voices, entire communities benefit!