Statesboro Youth Connect Graduates Ready for the Future

Today marks a significant milestone for the Statesboro Youth Connect program as a new cohort of bright, motivated youth graduates after a comprehensive five-week program. The program, designed to prepare participants for the workforce and instill a sense of community engagement, has once again proven to be a transformative experience for all involved.

Mayor Jonathan McCollarin his opening speech, highlighted the importance of investing in youth, emphasizing that there is no politics when it comes to training the next generation.

“Either we choose to invest in it, or we put our future at risk,” he said.

He praised the city’s commitment through initiatives such as Youth Connect, Village Builders and the Youth Council, stressing that the city’s future lies in the energy and innovation of its young people.

A community effort

Dr. Lasara Mitchell and then took over, drawing the audience’s attention by inviting them to answer a question: “Are you connected?” she began. “Connections made silently across the realms of time build intricate pathways to the hills of life we ​​climb.” She spoke of the importance of the connections made during the program and how those connections will continue to bear fruit in the future. “The purpose of this program is to connect you,” she said, urging graduates to stay connected to their community and dedicated to their goals.

Dr. Mitchell also challenged the adults in the audience to continue supporting young people, sharing their knowledge and helping them prepare for their future careers. “How do you connect?” she asked, encouraging everyone to think about the importance of mentorship and community involvement.

Celebrating individual achievements

Reflections were also included in the Youth Connect program of Ava Mincey and Alijah Wright. These were followed by speeches from representatives of local businesses who were Stacy Grant, Lieutenant Tarrasha Scarboro, Captain Kenneth Thompson and Justin Williams.

Throughout the ceremony, several individuals were recognized for their exceptional contributions and growth during the program. For example, Jarnicua Jean-Charles was commended for her exceptional work in child care, where she built strong relationships with children and parents.

The Sheriff’s Department also shared success stories, highlighting the transformative experiences of participants like Ava Mincey, Carmyn Sheffield and Shayonna Fair who taught valuable lessons about professionalism and community service.

Program coordinator Dr. Mitchell emphasized that even if a student decides a particular career path isn’t right for them, it’s still a success story. “That means you’re not going to waste your family’s money, you’re not going to get all these different grants and loans to go to college for four years and decide, ‘I hate this,’” she explained. That perspective highlights the program’s role in helping students refine their career aspirations through real-world experiences.

Participants in the Youth 2024 meeting

• Alan Beasley – Financial department
• Bailey Bergans – Trilogy Success Academy
• Isaac Brooks – Public works
• Jada Broomfield – Statesboro Regional Library
• Kaedin Caine – Salon Delawi Designs/Salon JDs
• Eden Chavers – Ogeechee Judicial Public Defenders Office
• Tyler Cooper – Children’s World Learning Center
• Yes Kori Cope -Grice Connect
• Lakeya Eason – Fashion on time
• Stephen Edwards – 7th Mile Farm/Bulloch Home
• Shayonna Fair – Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office
• Olivia Hendrix – Statesboro Regional Library
• Quailnija Hills – New Life Chiropractic
• Kennedi Howard – VIP Nails
• Grace Huff-Colbert – Human resources department
• Mason Hughes – Children’s World Learning Center
• Jarnicua Jean-Charles – Kidovations
• André’anna Jenkins – Children’s World Learning Center
• Zoe Lee – Human resources department
• Ava Mincey – Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office
• Nigeria Mincey – Primary care medicine/C&E learning
• Zaelyn Newton – Planning and development service
• Isaiah Rogers – Children’s World Learning Center
• Laylah Scarboro – Ogeechee Judicial Public Defenders Office
• Sanaye Scott – C&E learning/Unlimited advice and consultation
• Diona Brain of the Seas – Apprenticeship in primary care/C&E
• Carmyn Sheffield – Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office
• Isley Simpkins – Real Estate in Statesboro
• James Stewart – 7th Mile Farm/Bulloch Home
• Marlii Thomas – Thomas Dental Center
• DeMarrio Wade – Human resources department
• Lauren Wadley – Engineering Department
• Bryson Williams – Municipal gymnasium/Central services
• Alijah Wright – New Life Chiropractic

At the end of the ceremony, several students hired by their placement agencies stood to be recognized. Their accomplishments are a testament to the impact of the program and the bright future that awaits these youth. The ceremony concluded with a video created by a program participant, myself, Ja’Kori Cope.

The Statesboro Youth Connect program continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for Statesboro youth. By investing in these young people, the community is ensuring a future filled with promise, innovation, and success. Congratulations to all the 2024 Youth Connect graduates