Career Technical Student Organizations FBLA, FCCLA, HOSA, and SkillsUSA took 31 Coffee High School students to the Georgia State Capitol on February 3, 2026, to represent Coffee High School and advocate for Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) in Coffee County.
The CTSOs were chaperoned by advisers Tara Carver, Angela Davis, Kelly Gilliard, Chris Goodwill, Kristi Joyner, and Ashlea Robinson. The Coffee Middle School FBLA chapter was also represented by their advisers, Ashley Harden and Candace Minshew, and joined for the photo with Representative Angie O’Steen.
CTAE programs and their affiliated CTSOs play a vital role in developing students’ workforce readiness skills. The skills that directly contribute to the growth and strength of the local economy and community.
While at the Capitol, students met with Representative O’Steen and Senator Carden Summers, both of whom expressed excitement and appreciation for seeing strong representation from Coffee County. The opportunity allowed students to witness the legislative process firsthand and better understand how state policy decisions directly impact education and workforce development.
Dominic Mimbang, a senior and member of both FBLA and HOSA, reflected on the experience: “Bringing students to the Capitol is powerful because many students feel disconnected from policy and government. Being able to meet our state legislators face-to-face gives students a voice, especially when it comes to advocating for CTAE funding, and helps them understand how the legislative process actually works. While so much attention is often placed on the federal government, state and local governments are where students can most directly voice their concerns and make an impact. The experience also opened our eyes to potential career paths, as we didn’t just see legislators, but also interns, staff members, and the many processes happening behind the scenes. It gave us a real-world look at how government functions and how students can be involved.”
Advocacy and leadership are what drive CTSOs, and the Coffee County School System appreciates state leaders who play a part in the education process.
