Macon-Bibb County Government Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students
GCAPS NEWS Macon-Bibb County Government Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS) Newsletter | SEPTEMBER 2015
Macon-Bibb County Youth Leadership (2015-2016 Program Year) On September 1, 2015, Macon-Bibb County and local schools wel-
comed the second cohort of the Georgia Civic Awareness Program for
Students (GCAPS) at its Orientation Session on September 1, 2015 at
the Cox Capitol Theatre (382 Second Street). Thirty five sophomores,
juniors, and seniors were selected from nine public and private schools
after an application and interview process.
During the Orientation, students had a chance to meet each other,
as well as local leaders and the organizers of the program. They
learned about community leadership, before discussing the year’s
schedule, expectations, and community service requirements. Following
the Orientation, the student leaders traveled to Government Center to
attend and be introduced at the Macon-Bibb County Commission Meet-
ing where students Caroline Anderson (Mount de Sales Academy) and
Malik Thomas (Howard High School) led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Continued on Page 3
In This Issue
Orientation & New Members
Upcoming Events
Connect Home
Youth Leadership Summit
Youth Commission Election
Emergency Preparedness Month
Next Learning Session
Macon-Bibb County GCAPS | 2 | September 2015
Tuesday, September 1, 2015 3:45 p.m. GCAPS Session #1: Orientation & Commission Meeting
(Cox Capitol Theatre; 382 Second Street & Government Center Chambers)
6:00 p.m. Commission Meeting
Pledge of Allegiance: Sarah Kate Sellers (Junior at Stratford Academy) & Malik Thomas (Senior at Howard High School)
Tuesday, September 8, 2015 4:00 p.m. GCAPS Session #2 (Emergency Management Agency Bunker; 700 Poplar Street)
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 6:00 p.m. Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)
Pledge of Allegiance: Caroline Anderson (Junior at Mount de Sales Academy) & Adreanna Chester (Junior at Mount de Sales Academy)
Tuesday, October 6, 2015 6:00 p.m. Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)
Pledge of Allegiance: Anna Grace Jones (Senior at First Presbyterian Day School)
Thursday & Friday, October 8-9, 2015 Youth Leadership Summit at Mercer University (1501 Mercer University Drive)
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 4:00 p.m. GCAPS Session #3 (Parks & Beautification / Solid Waste; 327 Lower Poplar Street)
Tuesday, October 20, 2015 6:00 p.m. Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)
Pledge of Allegiance: To be determined
Thursday, October 29, 2015 4:00 p.m. “Click or Treat” ConnectHome City-Wide Roll-Out
Macon-Bibb County GCAPS | 3 | September 2015
“GCAPS is an amazing opportunity for students to get involved with
their community at an early age, and it’s even better that they are going to
see how we’re building a new consolidated government,” says Macon-Bibb
Assistant County Manager Charles Coney.
Macon-Bibb County Youth Leadership (Cont’d from Page 1)
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to
each other.”
John F. Kennedy
Students Caroline Anderson and
Malik Thomas preparing to lead the
Pledge of Allegiance at the Commission
Meeting.
GCAPS Orientation taking top billing
at the Historic Cox Capitol Theatre.
Mayor Reichert congratulating the
2015-2016 GCAPS Cohort.
Assistant County Manager Charles
Coney bringing greetings.
GCAPS Leader & Mercer Intern
Joseph Wozniak moderating during the
Orientation Session.
Assistant County Attorney Reginald
McClendon discussing the GCAPS
Honor Code.
Final words from Mayor Reichert
before the Commission Meeting in Gov-
ernment Center Chambers.
GCAPS Leaders Karol Kelly and
LaTanya Lester offering support during
the GCAPS Orientation.
Macon-Bibb County GCAPS | 4 | September 2015
Akbar, Mariam Stratford Academy
Alston, Nia Howard High School
Anderson, Caroline Mount de Sales Academy
Chester, Adreanna Mount de Sales Academy
Colvin, Aliyah Westside High School
Diaz, Jaaziel Northeast High School
Diaz, Jonathan Northeast High School
Ellis, Jaedyn Stratford Academy
Fuller, Markelle Southwest High School
Holder, Rachel Howard High School
Howard, Talareah Southwest High School
Jackson, Zeleria Mount de Sales Academy
Macon-Bibb County Youth Leadership 2015-2016 GCAPS Cohort
Macon-Bibb County GCAPS | 5 | September 2015
Jones, Anna Grace First Presbyterian Day School
Keitt, Saxton Central High School
Knowlton, India Northeast High School
Martin, William First Presbyterian Day School
McDuffie, Kennedy Mount de Sales Academy
Mckay, William Westside High School
Mehta, Hitanshi Howard High School
Moore, Janel Howard High School
Muhammad, Sharrieff Home School
Nichols, Anna Mount de Sales Academy
O'Dette, Alexis Howard High School
Pak, Su Mount de Sales Academy
Macon-Bibb County Youth Leadership 2015-2016 GCAPS Cohort
Macon-Bibb County GCAPS | 6 | September 2015
Paul, Erica Southwest High School
Paulin, Daniel First Presbyterian Day School
Pointer, Ashley Howard High School
Sellers, Sarah Kate Stratford Academy
Thomas, Malik Howard High School
Toole, Bailey Stratford Academy
Woodford, Alexandra Mount de Sales Academy
Macon-Bibb County Youth Leadership 2015-2016 GCAPS Cohort
Macon-Bibb County GCAPS | 7 | September 2015
Connect Home Connect Home is the next step in the President’s continued
efforts to expand high speed broadband to all Americans
and builds on his ConnectED initiative that is on track to
connect 99 percent of K-12 students to high-speed internet
in their classrooms and libraries over the next five years.
Connect Home will help ensure that these students still have access to high-speed
internet once they are home.
Connect Home is a platform for collaboration between local governments, public
housing agencies, Internet service providers, philanthropic foundations, nonprofit
organizations, and other relevant stakeholders that will produce local solutions for
narrowing the digital divide. The pilot will begin in 28 communities around the na-
tion—including Macon, Georgia. This is a collaborative effort between the Macon
Housing Authority, Cox Communications, and EveryoneOn. GCAPS has selected
Connect Home to be its signature Community Service Project.
www.connecthome.hud.gov
“America’s chal-
lenge in this 21st
century is to re-
main the world’s
undisputed land
of opportunity. ” Julián Castro
Secretary
U.S. Housing & Urban Development
GCAPS will be assisting the
Connect Home Project on
Thursday, October 29, 2015
by providing support for the
online Connect Home regis-
trations at the Buck Melton
Center and the Family Invest-
ment Center. Registrations
will be taken from 5:00 p.m.
to 7:00 p.m.
Macon-Bibb County GCAPS | 8 | September 2015
3:00 p.m. Arrival at Hilton Garden Inn (1220 Stadium Drive) 3:30 p.m. Mayor’s Welcome Reception (HGI Mercer Room) 4:00 p.m. Mercer University Walking Tour 5:15 p.m. Departure for Georgia National Fair in Perry, Ga. 9:30 p.m. Departure for Hilton Garden Inn 10:00 p.m. Midnight Movie (Mercer Cruz Plaza) 8:15 a.m. Arrival at Mercer University (President’s Dining Room) 9:00 a.m. Greetings & Welcome 9:15 a.m. “Getting to Know You” 9:30 a.m. Guest Youth Leaders Presentations 10:30 a.m. GCAPS Update Kathleen Bowen, ACCG GCAPS Coordinator 11:00 a.m. “The Story of Tattnall Square Park” Dr. Andrew Silver, Friends of Tattnall Square Park 11:55 a.m. Checkpoint 12:00 a.m. Lunch (Mercer Village) 1:00 p.m. Expeditionary Learning - Tattnall Square Park 1:15 p.m. “Connecting Government & Media” Chris Floor, MBC Director of Public Affairs 2:00 p.m. Service Project Karen Middleton, MBC Housing Authority Jessica Walden, everyoneon 2:45 p.m. Leadership Training - Stetson Business School 4:15 p.m. Wrap-Up 4:30 p.m. Departure
Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Mercer University The Macon-Bibb County Youth Leadership
Summit (YLS) is a premier leadership devel-
opment experience for motivated and accom-
plished students from across the state of
Georgia.
This 2-day leadership journey provides an
out-of-classroom learning experience and
rigorous curriculum that equips students with
the confidence, independence, skills and
global competiveness required of the next
generation of future leaders. Become a part
of YLS’s rich history when you come together
with students from around the state to repre-
sent your city/county and region! Distinguish
yourself as a future 21st century leader!
The Youth Leadership Summit invites you to
fully explore differences, gain firsthand expe-
rience with networking, build confidence, and
enhance decision-making skills in an atmos-
phere of mutual respect and that will chal-
lenge you to broaden your view. Set yourself
apart in today’s competitive world. At YLS,
you will be inspired to expand your horizons
and explore your future on a whole new level
as you work among your peers, interact with
local leaders, and gain a fresh, new perspec-
tive.
Macon-Bibb County Youth Leadership Summit
Friday, October 9, 2015 at Mercer University
2015
2014 YLS at Lake Tobesofkee
2014 YLS at Lake Tobesofkee
Macon-Bibb County GCAPS | 9 | September 2015
Georgia National Fair One of the newest features of the Fair is the Georgia Grown Building. This
is a joint project of the Georgia National Fair and the Georgia Department
of Agriculture. During the 11 days of the Fair, the building features space
dedicated solely to Georgia Grown products, manufacturers, and agricul-
tural businesses. The Georgia National Fair has promoted the state’s her-
itage, people, and agriculture since the first Fair in 1990. The Fair offers a
safe and clean, family-oriented environment. The Fair is well-known for its
comprehensive youth and home and fine arts competitions and exhibits.
The Georgia National Schoolhouse attracts pre-K through high school
students from throughout the state to tour the educational and livestock
displays.
The Georgia National Fair appeals to everyone with its livestock and
horse shows, competitive exhibits, food, midway rides and games, com-
mercial vendors, major concerts, street entertainers, family entertainment,
circus, and nightly fireworks. The Georgia National Fair has been desig-
nated a “Top 50 Fair” by Amusement Business magazine and Matt’s Car-
nival Warehouse. The Georgia National Fair has won 93 awards from
the International Association of Fairs and Expositions for its livestock and
horse events, competitive exhibits, and communications programs.
www.georgianationalfair.com
Transportation to and from the Georgia National Fair in
Perry, admission to the Fair grounds, and an unlimited
rides armband along with a $2 food coupon will be
provided to each Youth Leadership Summit attendee
compliments of the Mayor Robert A. B. Reichert and
the Macon-Bibb County GCAPS.
We are proud to announce that
will be hosting the
Mercer University’s reputation is
built on its rigorous academic pro-
grams, outstanding faculty, and
state-of-the-art facilities. Students
across Mercer’s 12 schools and
colleges benefit from a welcoming
atmosphere and small-class learn-
ing environment. They learn from
a prestigious, yet caring, faculty
whose credentials come from
some of the world’s finest aca-
demic institutions, are distin-
guished for both teaching and re-
search. More than 90 percent of
the faculty hold doctorates or the
highest attainable degrees in their
respective fields.
www.mercer.edu
For our out-of-town guests, we
have selected the Macon Hilton
Garden Inn with a discounted rate
of $99/night. Kindly ask for the
GCAPS Rate for Thursday night,
October 8th.
Hilton Garden Inn 1220 Stadium Drive
Macon, GA 31204 (478) 741-5527
Youth Leadership Summit Outing (Thursday, October 8, 2015)
Macon-Bibb County GCAPS | 10 | September 2015
Youth Commission Election We’re adding a new level of leadership
in our GCAPS this year. Students in
our 2015-2016 Cohort will elect two (2)
Youth Commissioners to represent the
larger thirty-one (31) person group rel-
ative to Program Planning, Youth
Leadership Development and Training,
and Macon-Bibb County Community
Discussions. Additionally, one student
will be selected by the GCAPS Leader-
ship Team. Thus giving us three (3) Youth Commissioners.
What Would a Youth Commissioner Do?
Encourage teen leadership and responsibility through modeled involvement
Create opportunities for public discussion of teen issues through meetings, work-
shops and conferences. Explore and identify issues and concerns of special im-
portance to teens and communicate those issues to the Macon-Bibb County Lead-
ership. Conversations might include the Macon-Bibb County Commissioner and
the applicable Macon-Bibb County Department
Look for ways to promote mutual understanding, respect and communication
amongst teen groups of all cultures and backgrounds
Provide leadership for youth-sponsored and teen activities like our annual Youth
Leadership Summit, community service projects, and community events
Attend and participate in Regional and National Youth Leadership Associations
and Conferences, Government Trainings, and Macon-Bibb County receptions and
radio, television & newspaper interviews
If you are interested in offering yourself for
service to your peers, then before Septem-
ber 30, 2015, send an email to
[email protected] indicating your de-
sire to run for Youth Commissioner and
have your campaign ready for the election
to be held during the 2015 Youth Leader-
ship Summit.
“Good habits
formed at youth
make all the dif-
ference.” Aristotle
Macon-Bibb County GCAPS | 11 | September 2015
Emergency Preparedness Month
Spencer Hawkins, EMA Deputy Director, presented at the
GCAPS Learning Session #2 where students learned how
to stay safe and communicate during disasters.
Upcoming: GCAPS Learning Session In October, we will be hosted by the Macon-Bibb
County Parks & Beautification Department for our
Learning Session. The department is responsible for
operations, maintenance, and capital improvements
to 128 parks and recreation areas in Macon & Bibb
County. The Department plans, designs, and devel-
ops the new parks and recreation facilities.
www.maconbibb.us/parks-and-beautification
Additionally, we will be joined in the Learning Session by the Solid Waste Department. The Solid Waste De-
partment is responsible for the collection services of recyclables, yard debris, and sanitation.
www.maconbibb.us/solid-waste
Be sure to mark your GCAPS Calendar to attend the October
13th Learning Session.
GCAPS Learning Session #2 at the Emergency Management Agency on September 8, 2015
What Student Say About GCAPS “GCAPS complimented my high school experience, because I was able to meet other students from other high schools. I was able to branch out from my usual group of acquaintances and learn about the different envi-ronments where my fellow GCAPS colleagues spend the day.”
“GCAPS has influenced my views and has helped me as a person.”
“What I enjoyed most about my GCAPS experience was the fact that we met so many influential leaders and got to speak to most of them.”
“Learning the process of the program was really helpful and also the real world experience of how the government works was fantastic, lastly it was fun to know people from different schools and learn about them and their schools.”
“I liked the GCAPS learning sessions the most. Each learning session was unique in its own way, and after each session I was able to see how that certain agency contributed to the success as well as the functioning of the local government.”
“Networking in GCAPS gave me powerful connections in places with people I would have never met otherwise. Their different points of view challenged the way I believe and helped me grow.”
Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS)
Macon-Bibb County
Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students
700 Poplar Street
P. O. Box 247
Macon, GA 31202-0247
PLACE STAMP HERE
Contact Us
For more information about GCAPS:
Macon-Bibb County
700 Poplar Street
P. O. Box 247
Macon, GA 31202-0247
(478) 751-7170
Visit us on the web at
www.maconbibb.us/gcaps
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/
MaconBibbCountyYouthCommission