The Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council (DMYC) held their monthly meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2020. Topics for the September meeting included discussion about the What I Love About Douglas Essay Contest, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, college readiness, germ transmission education, and recognition of October’s outstanding community youth.
The first order of business on the agenda was to hear from Public Information Manager, Blondale Thomas about the “What I love About Douglas” Essay contest that is taking place in as a part of the City of Douglas 125th birthday events. Members of the council were encouraged to seek out the reasons why the love Douglas and submit a 350 essay for their chance to win 1st – 3rd place cash prizes and be recognized by the Mayor and Commission.
To show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the monthly guest speaker was April Doherty. Ms. Doherty is a five-year breast cancer survivor. Doherty spoke about the overwhelming amount of support from the youth and community during her treatment for breast cancer. She gives credit to God, family and community for her success. Two additional speakers were presented valuable information to the group at this meeting. Mrs. LaHura Larkin, from 3L Educational Consulting, spoke to the group about college readiness and planning for college. Angela P & Lanette Chavis from AP&LC Nurse Consultants, educated the youth council on infection prevention and germ control.
For the month of September, the Youth Council chose to spotlight Junior Commissioner Jalene Debro. Jalene is a 10th grader at Coffee High School. She is in FBLA, band, and a defense attorney with the Coffee County Teen Court. This is her second year serving on the Mayor’s Youth Council as a Commissioner. She is a member of Eastside Baptist Church and works in the Youth Department and in Children’s Church. After high school, she plans to attend South Georgia State College and later transfer to a University in Georgia to pursue a career in the health/medical field.
An update was given by Mr. Mike Bazell concerning the Ambitious Young Men (AYM) and First Love Yourself (FLY) Girls. AYM will be hosting a young men’s online workshop on October 25, 2020, 5pm-8pm. The FLY Girls will host Wear Orange Day in support of Anti-Bullying on October 21, 2020.
The Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council is seeking new members for the 2021-2022 term who will be entering grades 9-12. To submit a student to be considered for the Youth Council, please contact Dinitra Williams, Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council Coordinator, at dwilliams@cityofdouglas.com or call the City Clerk’s office at (912) 389-3405.