Students from Bradwell Institute’s Engage program attended the Center for Civic Engagement — Georgia Youth Assembly this week in Atlanta. The 15-strong student delegation participated in the legislative, media, and lobbyist programs at the 79th annual Youth Assembly.
Youth Assembly is a three-day learning opportunity that brings the workings of government alive to students in grades 9-12. Students are given an opportunity to discuss current issues with state administrators, elected officials, and other students from high schools throughout the state.
The conference is led by students elected to office by their fellow delegates from across the state. Bradwell’s delegation included Briana Battle, Amaris Riley, Logan Tenorio, Ethan Griffith, Alexander Howard, Chrisalia Douglas, Emily Knight, Faith Ryan, Dwayne Mitchell, Jerald Edwards, Jeshua Contreras, and Jule Bandte participating in the legislative program.
Griffith and Ryan both had legislative bills featured in the program’s competitive bill book, with both bills passing the legislature, and Griffith’s bill to expand educational opportunities and trade skills programs for incarcerated individuals being signed by the Youth Governor. Nathan Ramirez participated in the media program and was recognized for his outstanding contribution to the conference. Henry Dickey and Rocky Bosch Jr. participated in the lobbyist program.
Each year, hundreds of students from throughout the state gather in Atlanta for Youth Assembly in the fall. Students debate and vote on bills their fellow delegates have written and presented. Bills that pass in committee are then taken to the floor of the House and Senate for full debate and vote and consideration by the Youth Governor.
Engage was started last year at Bradwell Institute and is advised by Social Studies teachers Clint Murphy, James Boyce, and Joseph Halterman. Generous community support from Sheriff Will Bowman, JC Lewis Ford Hinesville, Allstate Insurance — The Bennett Agency, Holtzman Elite Properties, Dr. Chante’ B. Martin, and the Bradwell School Governance Team allow for these experiential learning opportunities to take place.
The Georgia Center for Civic Engagement serves more than 20,000 youth and educators annually through leadership, character, and civic education programs and resources. The Georgia Board of Education recently recognized Engage as the Career and Technical Student Organization for the Government and Public Administration Pathway, which is offered in Liberty County Schools at Bradwell Institute.
