NATCHEZ — Most student body presidents lead other students, but a Natchez High School student will be leading teachers, students and community members in his role as president of the P-16 Council.

Kayleb McGee, 19, was elected president of the Natchez-Adams School District P-16 Council Oct. 12. As president, McGee will help lead the independent council, which contains students and adults from across the county.

“It’s a cross-section of the community focused on forming policies to increase student achievement and parent involvement,” NASD Public Relations Coordinator Steven Richardson said.

Now in his senior year, McGee had to be hospitalized when he was 12 for a disease that still remains undiagnosed. The illness forced him to miss an entire year of school.

But McGee is looking forward to his last year of high school.

“It’s like I’ve had a long road, and I’m finally here,” McGee said.

Nowadays, McGee is involved in various activities, including the NHS and D and J Youth Group choirs and a comic, anime and different forms of art club he founded this year.

McGee said he first heard about the council from his mother, Dr. LaShawn Thompson. McGee said he’s always been curious about school policies and how they affect students.

“I always wanted to be a leader, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to serve the community,” McGee said.

Thompson said she was surprised to see her son stand up and nominate himself for the position of president at the first meeting they attended.

“I was even more shocked when they elected him,” Thompson said.

Even though another candidate had been nominated, McGee won unanimously.

“They really liked the idea of a student being president,” Thompson said.

Richardson said it’s not common for a student to lead a P-16 Council and called McGee’s election “a phenomenal occurrence.”

“We’re going to wish Kayleb and the council much success,” Richardson said.

It’s a lot to take on in his senior year, but McGee believes he is ready.

“I knew as long as I stay true to myself and I continue to be hard-working and I continue to serve the community, I would be able to get it done,” McGee said.