The Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council (DMYC) held its last meeting for the 2021-2022 school year on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at the Youth Center. The Council recognized the April Outstanding Youth, Community Member, and learned more about Child Abuse Awareness Month from the Child Advocacy Center Director, Carol Williford.
The Youth Council member chosen to spotlight for April is Jeremiah Bazell. Jeremiah is the son of Gerald Bazell and Cynethia Lloyd. He is currently enrolled in the 8th grade at Coffee Middle School. He is a Student-Athlete who has made honor roll all of the 21-22 school year while playing football, basketball, and track for Coffee Middle School. He attends Greater Destiny International Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Rueben and Lady Alyson Speight, where he is a part of the Youth Choir and the dance team “Lion of Judah.” Jeremiah has been a member of the Ambitious Young Men program in Coffee County for four years and serves as a big brother for the younger men in the program. Jeremiah currently serves as a junior commissioner on the Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council and a Bailiff in the Douglas Teen Court program. In addition to his many activities, Jeremiah has completed over 100 hours of community service during his entire middle school term.
Jr. Commissioner Jeremiah Bazell and the Youth Council chose to acknowledge CeCelia Coke as the Outstanding Community Leader for April. Ms. CeCelia Coke is an 8th-grade Math Teacher at Coffee Middle School. She enjoys serving the community which she attributes to her overall accomplishments. Coke was honored for her dedication to education, service, and guidance of the youth within the Coffee County Community.
A special surprise Outstanding Community Leader was recognized by the Youth Council. Mr. Mike Bazell, founder of Ambitious Young Men, was recognized for his contributions to community and his dedication to inspiring young men. Mr. Bazell is the father of Jeremiah and Tre Bazell. He is employed as a Criminal Investigator for the Georgia Pardons and Paroles and a Substance Abuse Counselor for the Georgia Department of a Juvenile Justice. He is also the founder and mentor of AYM-Ambitious Young Men. He recently earned his Master’s in Human Services Counseling/Criminal Justice at Liberty University in 2021. Mr. Bazell serves on the Keep Douglas Beautiful Committee. He volunteers his time with Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council and Teen Court programs. Mr. Bazell enjoys serving his community in every way he can.
Following the monthly recognitions, the youth council received updates from DMYC Coordinator Dinitra Williams and learned about their opportunity to participate in the Great American Cleanup that the Keep Douglas Beautiful committee is hosting on April 30, 2022. Mr. Mike Bazell and Jessica Williams provided updates about AYM and FLY Girls. Ms. Williams reminded the youth council about the HBCU Conference coming up on April 30 at George Washington Carver Campus. Special guest speaker, Carol Williford, Director of the Child Advocacy Center, spoke to the council and audience about their services for the youth of Coffee County. She also recognized April as Child Abuse Awareness Month and educated the group about recognizing the signs of abuse. Mayor Tony Paulk closed the meeting with comments about leadership and the role that the Youth Council can play by being effective leaders and creating unity within the community.
The Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council is looking for members for the 2022-2023 school year. If you know of a youth that will benefit from the program, 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.