A new generation of leaders was recently recognized at the graduation ceremony of the inaugural class of the Gwinnett Youth Commission, a program designed to train and develop future managers, community builders, and informed people of character and influence.

The youth commission, which consists of 30 sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Gwinnett County high schools, began with an eight-week orientation of Gwinnett County Government. The curriculum covers multiple facets of government, including infrastructure, health and human services, public safety, courts, and recreation. Students also shared their perspective on growing up in Gwinnett and ways to make the County a more inviting place for young people.

Gwinnett County Community Outreach Program Director Nicole Hendrickson said the idea for the program came about two years ago as a way to engage young people in county government. She said the program’s success was even greater than she hoped.

“Eight weeks ago, 30 students representing 15 different high schools came into this building nervous and uncertain. Since then, I’ve seen so many bonds and friendships grow as well as a lot of personal growth,” Hendrickson said.

The students were encouraged to become leaders of today and the future by Van Johnson II, director of the Chatham County Youth Commission, the model for the County’s youth commission program. Chatham County developed the first youth commission in the state of Georgia.

“In the final analysis, you are going to change the direction of this county forever,” Johnson said. “We need you to help us fix things. We need your intellect. We need your heart. We need your understanding to help shape this county and shape our state.”

North Gwinnett High School Senior Kian Kassam, elected by his peers to speak, said he learned the most about Gwinnett County on field trips. He said was impressed with the thought and planning behind the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, and that the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center is so advanced and innovative that people from other countries come to learn about its cutting-edge technology.

“All these experiences solidified something I’d always known: Gwinnett always strives for excellence and performance,” Kassam said. “Some people don’t appreciate that Gwinnett County is really amazing.”

Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash urged the students to stay engaged and make a difference in their community. “It’s not over today,” Nash said. “We want you to be participants in this community going forward. I’m looking to see you in other positions of leadership whether it’s in your school or other parts of the community.”

District 1 Commissioner Jace Brooks encouraged the young people to continue learning, growing, and to stay involved. “Don’t let anyone look down on your youth,” Brooks said. “You have passion. You now have knowledge. Knowledge can be very powerful especially when it’s married with wisdom. Seek the wisdom of your parents, your teachers, your mentors. We want your leadership right here in Gwinnett County.”

District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard praised the students for making the effort to learn about county government. “There are so many people who just don’t know what county government does,” Howard said. “It’s wonderful that you now know what we do, you know what’s important, you know it’s something you might aspire to be. We’re so excited because we can’t wait to see what you’re going to do.”

After graduation, the students were recognized by the Board of Commissioners during its afternoon business session. In addition, the graduates were sworn in as youth commissioners by Assistant Probate Court Judge Hillary Cranford.

Participants of the program were chosen by an independent committee based on eligibility and an essay. Leadership training was provided by GUIDE (Gwinnett United in Drug Education). The youth commissioners will continue leadership training and be invited to participate in special events and field trips. They will also assist with planning and participating in community volunteer projects throughout Gwinnett during the academic school year.

Graduates of the Gwinnett Youth Commission’s inaugural class are: Nathaly Candelaria, Nicole Candelaria, Christopher Deatherage, Shannon Huff, Heidi Hyatt, Nitya Jella, Johaer Jilani, Kian Kassam, Abdullah Khan, Peter Lauderdale, James Lee, Isaiah McCalla, Kayla Ortega, Nyah Palmer, Blakely Phillips, Alykhan Pirani, Jennifer Ramirez-Soto, Lauren Seroyer, Alan Sims, Josseirys Valentin, Dina Velasquez, Andres Velez, Valentina Villamil, Zarik Virani, Michael Williams, Daniel Wise, Briana Wood, Lauryn Woodard, Jalen Wright and Jochebed Yeboah. Photos from the Gwinnett Youth Commission graduation and weekly sessions can be found on the County’s Flickr page. To view the graduation ceremony, visit the County’s Video On-Demand page.

Students looking to join the youth commission next year can visit www.gwinnettcoummunityoutreach.com for more information.