Commissioners approve funding for new youth leadership program

A new youth leadership program for students at Cairo High School is being organized by the Grady County Commission with cooperation from the Cairo High School administration.
County commissioners unanimously approved $1,500 to go toward the establishment of the Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS) for the 2016-2017 school term.
Grady County Commissioner T.D. David has spearheaded the effort on behalf of the board and solicited the support of CHS Principal Chris Lokey.
According to David, 15 CHS sophomores, juniors or seniors will take part in the inaugural program this fall.
CHS Social Studies Department chairman Del Bibles has agreed to serve as the project coordinator.
The county will also apply for a $2,500 grant from the Association County Commissioners of Georgia to establish and fund the GCAPS program.
“This is an outstanding program and we should take advantage of it. I think this is something we can all be proud of,” David said.
Commissioner David has spoken with former county commissioners and they have indicated a desire to be part of the program.
County officials say they hope that the program will provide youth training and knowledge of how local government works and will encourage young people to seek public office and service in county government.
The student group will meet monthly and special sessions will be held with various departments and offices of county government.
A trip to visit Atlanta during the 2017 session of the Georgia General Assembly is also tentatively planned.
The board Tuesday night selected David to serve as the board’s liaison with the GCAPS program.