News Summary
Seven outstanding students from DeKalb County graduated from the Model Atlanta Regional Commission (MARC) youth leadership program. This program empowers young leaders by engaging them in real-world challenges such as housing affordability and responsible water usage. The graduation ceremony celebrated 43 students from 11 counties, highlighting their efforts and collaboration. Participants enjoyed enriching workshops and significant site visits, gaining insights into community leadership. With applications open for next year, the MARC program continues to inspire the next generation of leaders.
DeKalb County Students Shine in Leadership Program Graduation
In a vibrant celebration of young leadership and community engagement, seven remarkable students from DeKalb County recently graduated from the Model Atlanta Regional Commission (MARC) youth leadership program. This year’s graduation ceremony was highlighted in a press release from the Atlanta Regional Commission, which oversees the program aiming to empower young minds to tackle pressing social and environmental issues.
A Journey through Real-World Issues
Over the course of six months, these dedicated students dove deep into real-world challenges that our communities face today. They engaged in thoughtful discussions surrounding a variety of critical topics like housing affordability, the essence of responsible water usage, and the far-reaching impacts of limited transportation options. This hands-on learning experience equipped these young leaders with the knowledge and skills to propose meaningful solutions to improve their communities.
Regional Graduates Unite
In total, 43 students from an impressive 11-county region celebrated their achievements alongside DeKalb County’s finest. The camaraderie felt during this event highlighted the strength of collaboration among young leaders who want to shape the future for the better.
Insightful Experiences and Locations
The MARC program offered a treasure trove of experiences, including enriching workshops and discussions with local innovators who are pushing boundaries in various fields. Participants had the chance to engage with regional leaders to gain valuable insights about community leadership. They even embarked on visits to significant sites such as The Water Tower, F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center, and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. These excursions were designed to provide the students with a firsthand look at the issues and resources influencing their communities.
Voices from the Next Generation
One standout participant, Vy Le from Morrow High School, expressed how transformative the program has been for her. She reflected on how she felt empowered to make a positive impact in her community, illustrating the program’s profound effect on its participants.
Highlighting the Graduates
The students who proudly donned their caps and gowns this year included a diverse group of achievers from various schools across DeKalb County. The graduates are:
- Alissa Carr, DeKalb School of the Arts
- Gia Choy, Chamblee High School
- Alex Coursey, Chamblee High School
- Kornell Dapreis, Chamblee High School
- Maeve Downey, Decatur High School
- Nate Grijalva, Lakeside High School
- Chris O’Mard, The Westminster Schools
The Future of MARC
As the MARC program wraps up its 25th year, there’s excitement in the air for what lies ahead. The program is currently accepting applications for the upcoming school year, inviting all 9th and 10th-grade students from schools within the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) region to apply. The best part? Participation in this enriching program is free!
Act Fast on Applications!
Students eager to make a difference in their communities should mark their calendars: applications for the next cohort are due by May 3. This is the perfect opportunity for young leaders to gain experience, learn valuable skills, and contribute to important discussions that can shape our world for the better.
The MARC youth leadership program continues to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young minds in DeKalb County and beyond. With each graduating class, the future looks bright as these empowered students step into roles where they can make impactful changes in their communities.
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Additional Resources
- Decaturish: DeKalb County Students Graduate from ARC Program
- WSBTV: Former DeKalb Co. SRO Accused of Overtime Fraud
- Shaw Local: Sycamore Police Achieve Accreditation
- Google Search: DeKalb County Leadership Program
- Wikipedia: Youth Leadership
