Submitted by Dani Davis, Youth Council Social Media Chairperson
On September 15, 2025, the Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council (DMYC) conducted its monthly meeting. Jr. Mayor Zipporiah Wilcox led the meeting and recognized Blondale Thomas as the Outstanding Community Spotlight for September. Rhonda Grady of St. James Baptist Church opened the meeting with words of wisdom and a special prayer. The special guest speaker was Shelia Butler, President of the Childhood Cancer Awareness Group of Coffee County.
The Youth Council recognized Blondale Thomas as the community spotlight for September. Blondale is married to Clay Thomas, and they have two children: Barron and Brylee. She has been employed by the City of Douglas for 28 years, where she serves as the Public Information Manager. She is the co-Treasurer of the Douglas Lions Club and is an Ex-Officio for the Keep Douglas Beautiful Board. Mrs. Thomas was recognized for her dedication to the Youth Council since it began in 2018 and commitment to the citizens of Douglas through her work in public relations, photography, and social media.
The Drug Free Community Coordinator for the Coffee County School System, Ms. Sheal’tel Paulk, sought the Youth Council’s support to help her lead prevention efforts and promote youth wellness. She asked that Jr. Commissioner Jaleigha Williams to be appointed to a Youth Advisory Council for Coffee County Family Connection’s Drug Free Program. Jaleigha will help support the advisory program by sharing events and programs that will appeal to youth and bring awareness to the dangers of drug use and vaping. The Youth Council unanimously voted to appoint Jr. Commissioner Jaleigha Williams to the Drug Free Advisory Council.
Shelia Butler, the President of the Childhood Cancer Awareness Group of Coffee County, was the guest speaker for September. Founded in 2011 by local families, the non-profit organization raises awareness and supports families affected by childhood cancer in surrounding counties. Ms. Butler shared the group’s mission to inspire hope and healing and discussed its origin, which was driven by a founding member’s personal experience with their child’s cancer diagnosis. The Youth Council voted unanimously to proclaim September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
During the meeting, updates were provided on the various mentoring programs and community events. Dinitra Williams, DMYC and Teen Court Coordinator, shared insights on upcoming initiatives, including information from the Keep Douglas Beautiful committee regarding the Gopher Tortoise Festival, which is scheduled for October 4, 2025, from 9 AM to 4 PM. KDB will also be hosting American Recycles Day, which is scheduled for November 15, 2025, with times to be announced later.
The public is invited to attend the next Youth Council meeting on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 5 PM at City Hall in the Commission Chambers. For more details on the Youth Council or Teen Court 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.