Evans Selected as Semifinalist for State Board of Education Student Representative

Max Evans, a sophomore at Corinth High School, has been selected as one of 11 semifinalists for the Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) junior student representative for the 2026-27 school year. 

The SBE student representative program includes one high school junior and one high school senior who serve as non-voting SBE members and provide input on policy decisions that affect Mississippi public schools.

“It feels unreal to be recognized as a semifinalist,” said Max. “I never thought I would be recognized as a candidate for a role on the Board of Education. I love the idea that I can have a say in the school legislature.”

SBE student representatives are responsible for attending monthly SBE meetings and any standing committees or subcommittees to which they are assigned. Student representatives are excused from school to attend SBE meetings as official school business. The SBE adopted a policy in 2018 outlining the criteria for adding student representatives to the State Board.

This experience is opening up a whole new world for Max. “I look forward to the opportunity of being at the table,” said Max. “My parents said I would always be good in law. I never saw it as an option, but now it is coming into fruition. I look forward to collaborating with leaders to help all students thrive. I have been blessed to live in such a great community, and I just want to preserve that for the future generations. I have been granted a chance to make that happen and I can’t express my gratitude.”

At Corinth High School, Max is pursuing a Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) diploma and is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Future Business Leaders of America. Additionally, he is a multi-sport varsity athlete, competing in soccer, track, cross country and golf. He is also the founder and owner of Max and Co, a company that designs and builds AI-powered websites for small businesses to improve their online presence. At First Baptist Church in Corinth, he is a leadership team member in the youth group.

The eligible applicant pool for the rising junior representative included 33 students. All eleven semifinalists will be interviewed in the coming months and up to four finalists will be named. The SBE will interview the four finalists and appoint one rising junior to the board.