Ocean Springs News
MEDIA PRESS RELEASE - for immediate release
October 24th, 2008 | For details and information concerning this release, please contact Johnnie Bernhard at (228) 875-2209.
City of OS Announces Mayor’s Youth Council for 2008-09
Ocean Springs, MS – The City of Ocean Springs, in partnership with Ocean Springs High School, has chosen 17 high school students to serve on the 2008-09 Mayor’s Youth Council. Modeled after the Mississippi Municipal League Youth Services, the Youth Council will serve as city ambassadors at city events, volunteer with various city departments, develop community service projects, and provide a voice for youth in local government.
Members of the Youth Council are: Jennifer Latiner, Stephanie Fuqua, April Love, Sierra Nelson, Sarah Palmer, Rachel Harper, Aubrey Redmon, Summer Marcellus, Racquel Gardner, Hallie Darphin, Mary Hirsch, Kellie Jones, David Bella, Courtney Thomas, Deetra Louis, De’Erica Ward and Kayla Sharp. Johnnie Bernhard, Public Relations Administrative Officer for the city, will serve as the Youth Council facilitator.
At the Youth Council’s initial meeting on October 22, members met with Mayor Moran, Geri Straight, Director of Parks & Leisure Services, Shelly Ferguson, City Clerk, Eric Meyer, Director of Planning & Community Development, and Ocean Springs Police Department Captain Terry Harris and Officer Michael Pol. The group discussed current city projects, youth issues, and the responsibilities of several city departments.
“The city is proud to sponsor its first youth council,” said Mayor Moran. “The aldermen and I intend to provide a forum for our youth in leadership training and community activism. Our initial meeting clearly showed that these students are passionate about issues affecting youth in our community.”
The Mayor’s Youth Council will lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the November 4th Mayor and Board of Aldermen Meeting held in the Board Room at City Hall.
