Newest students in Youth Commission set to help the community

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – High school students in Macon are learning how to help the community from local government leaders through the Youth Commission program.

Orientation for the 30 students was held Tuesday at the Cox Capitol Theatre. The program is part of the Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students.

“It allows them to take the civics class they’re learning in school, to another level,” Charles Coney said. He is the Assistant County Manager for Macon-Bibb and also heads up the program.

“We’ve had almost 100 students apply, we only invited 30, so for every student who had the opportunity to be invited they must participate because there are 70 out there who wish they received that invitation,” Coney said.

Caroline Pion is a junior at Rutland High School. She says the year-round Youth Commission helps her get a first-hand view at how local government operates.

“I’m really interested in studying politics, and so this program with everything we’re gonna learn about community service and how the local government runs, that was just what I’m interested in,” Pion said.

She hopes her and her cohort will be taken to Washington D.C.

“I want to see how and what kind of decisions are made to make a community better as a whole,” Pion said.

Students are held accountable through assignments and community service, a dress code and certain academic requirements through their schools. They will work with multiple different forms of government including the mayor’s office, county commissioners, and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

“I’m hoping that the young people see consolidation and no longer think of a city or county but will walk away from this experience saying wow I live in Macon-Bibb County, the best place to live,” Coney said.

For more information about the Macon-Bibb Youth Commission, visit http://www.maconbibb.us/tag/youth-commission/