On Monday, October 18, 2021, the Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council recognized October as Pink Month in Douglas and Coffee County at its monthly meeting. The meeting also highlighted youth in the community and the Future Business Leaders of America program.
Youth Coordinator Dinitra Williams shared an update for the Keep Douglas Beautiful (KDB) Committee. The KDB board has elected officers and have completed the Community Appearance Index. Newly elected officers for the Keep Douglas Beautiful Board are Dinitra Williams (President), Diana Harris (Vice President) and Courtney Dorsett (Secretary/Treasurer). The Community Appearance Index is a great tool used to keep track of litter prevention and education. The scores of each City Ward will allow KDB to map out the problem areas.
The Founder, Mentor, and Director of S.T.E.M. 101, Latressa Moses, provided information about her organization. S.T.E.M. 101 is a 501 c (3) organization that provides life skills trainings to encourage, equip, and empower the youth with essential life skills. Moses recently published her book, “It Starts as a Child” which is a personal development guidebook for teens that helps young males and females become more self-aware of their feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and options to make wise decisions, overcome challenges, and accomplish their goals.
The Youth Council member chosen to spotlight for October is Jalene Debro. Jalene is the daughter of Barbara Debro. She attends Coffee High School and is a member of FBLA, and the CHS Band. This is her 3rd year serving on the Mayor’s Youth Council and she is currently serving as Jr. Mayor Pro-Tem. She is a member of Eastside Baptist Church, FBLA, CHS Student Council, CHS Band, and maintains good grades. Jalene was also recognized for being a member of the original member of the Coffee County Teen Court Program where she now serves as Defense Attorney. Jalene chose Jesse Hathaway as her outstanding community youth leader. Jesse was recognized for his achievements in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), FBLA Freshman Liaison Officer, and over 50 hours of community service.
Mrs. Lou Hennesy spokesperson for the local Alpha Theta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi presented the Youth Council with information about Breast Cancer Awareness, their programs for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer, and Passionately Pink Month. Mrs. Hennesy also asked the council to support Passionately Pink Day by wearing pink on October 21, 2021.
Several members of the Future Business Leaders of America presented information about FBLA and the advantages of joining the group at Coffee High School. FBLA elected officers Cailey Martinez (President), Amber Whitley (Secretary), Ashton Gillepsie (Treasurer), Ansley Smith (Recorder), and Jesse Hathaway (Freshman Representative), spoke briefly to the Youth Council about their roles with the organization and plans for this year.
The next Mayor’s Youth Council will be held on Thursday, November 18, 2021, 6pm at the Youth Center. Youth applications are now being accepted for the 2021-2022 school year to serve on the Douglas-Coffee County Teen Court. For more details, please contact Dinitra Williams, Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council & Teen Court Coordinator, at (912) 331-9398 or call the City Clerk’s office at (912) 389-3405.