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Mayor’s Office of Education Youth Commission displays leadership at Town Hall Meeting
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For YourNewsColumbus.Com Columbus--The Heritage hosted the “Youth Town Hall Meeting” of the 2008-2009 Youth Commission of the Mayor’s Office of Education. The Youth Commission is an initiative of President Pro-tem, Councilman Kevin Boyce, who unexpectedly attended the forum along with his assistant, Rachel Klegman. The buzzword is that you can always count on President Pro-tem Councilman Boyce to be supportive of the youth in our city regardless of their affiliation. His word is his bond and his support is unquestionable. His presence is always greatly appreciated. The Youth Commission is a program of the Mayor’s Office of Education, which is under the management of Director, Tei Street and the watchful eye of Youth Commission Coordinator, Kristen Baker-Waugh. Youth Commissioners are the official voice of youth in city government. Twenty-one Youth Commissioners, ages 13-21, advise the Mayor and City Council on youth-related issues, and plan or co-sponsor educational and recreational events. Columbus City Council unanimously voted the Youth Commission into city code in October 2001. The Youth Town Hall Meeting, which began at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 15, 2008 was the first of four meetings that are scheduled to take place at various locations throughout the city. Invitations to attend this meeting were extended to friends, associates of the Youth Commission and to the youth of The Heritage. Dialogue in the meeting was for the youth only. However, adults were in attendance, but only as observers. The meeting was well received with over 30 responses. Ms. Betty Howton, Community Relations Manager of The Heritage, welcomed the commissioners and guest. Moderator and Youth Commissioner, Halim K. Genus of Northland H.S. opened the meeting with an open statement of its purpose. He eloquently stated that the Town Hall Meeting offers a more intimate setting that gives youth an opportunity to address their concerns, offer suggestions to city government on how Columbus can better assist youth to become more productive citizens and how youth can assist Columbus City government on addressing the needs of youth. After which, he made introductions of the panel, which included Marquis Taylor, Columbus Alternative H.S.; Amara Ugwu, Northland H.S.; Ilhan Dahir, Hilliard Davidson H.S. and Jordan Feyko of St. Charles Preparatory School.
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