November 15, 2024
Students from Greene County High School Air Force JROTC GA-939 “Tiger Group” were proud to represent their community at the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement’s 80th Youth Assembly, a model legislature held at the State Capitol from November 3-5. This annual event offers students the unique opportunity to step into the roles of state legislators, drafting, debating, and voting on bills in the very chambers where Georgia’s laws are made. Students can also participate in the lobbyist program, serve as a member of the media or as an attorney in the moot court. This year, the program also featured a model congress.
“It was an absolute amazing experience, being able to engage with other students throughout Georgia about state matters is not something you get to do every day. The privilege of being able to do this in the state capital itself only made this opportunity feel more special,” said Cadet/Staff Sergeant Matthew Janes, a junior at Greene County High School.
The Youth Assembly, which has a legacy spanning eight decades, fosters civic literacy and leadership among high school students from across the state. Participants gain firsthand experience in the legislative process, develop their public speaking and negotiation skills, and engage in thoughtful discussions on key issues facing their communities and the state.
"The Greene County High School Air Force JROTC ‘Tiger Group’ cadets demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment at the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement’s 80th Youth Assembly. Their participation at the State Capitol not only highlighted their dedication to civic responsibility but also underscored their readiness to lead and serve. I’m incredibly proud of their engagement and the way they represented our unit and community with honor,” said Chief Master Sergeant (Ret) Dr. Jessica Player, Senior Aerospace Science Instructor.
Throughout the three-day event, students from Greene County High School Air Force JROTC GA-939 “Tiger Group” joined peers from across Georgia to draft proposed legislation, engage in floor debates, and experience the responsibilities and challenges of lawmakers. The Youth Assembly also featured keynote speeches, committee meetings, and sessions on effective civic leadership.
“The Youth Assembly represents our commitment to nurturing informed and active citizens,” said Dr. Randell E. Trammell, President and CEO of the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement. “By providing these future leaders with a platform to voice their ideas and learn legislative processes, we ensure that civic engagement remains at the heart of our state’s future. Not all of Georgia’s students will grow up to become scientists, technologists, engineers, or mathematicians; however, every single student will grow up to be a citizen—and we want them to be prepared for that important role!”
The Georgia Center for Civic Engagement’s Youth Assembly continues to be a beacon for student empowerment, fostering a generation that is knowledgeable, involved, and equipped to be leaders both now and in the future.
For more information on the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement or how to get involved, please visit www.georgiacivics.org.
