FROM THE MAYORS DESK
“We got nothing to do”, is a frequent phrase heard by young people today and that phrase has even more signifigance in small town America. With few choices to occupy their active minds many youth turn to counter productive activity which often produces negative results. In an effort to head off this situation I formed a Youth Advocacy Team several months ago and after many meetings our efforts are focused on the formation of an organized youth group, helping them set goals and objectives, and planning wholesome activities. The groups second meeting is Thursday evening at 6:30 in the Heritage Center to continue the plans which were begun at the groups initial meeting earlier last month. A dozen students from Fairmont High attended the initial brainstorming session in an attempt to identify common problems faced by youth today and how to attack them. It was agreed to meet again and start a Youth Council, elect officers, and make future plans.
Adult advisors from my Advocacy Team who are guiding the youth are Sandra Pridgen, Emanuel Thompson , Chief Danny Parker, Leon Burden, Maurice McMillian, Eric Taylor, and myself. We are all committed to helping the youth find productive activities to occupy their time and give them the opportunity to show their leadership skills. Plans are being discussed to hold future youth meetings at the high school during the schools afternoon activity period. In this way meeting attendance would be increased. Suggested activities which were discussed at the earlier meeting were dances, a talent show, fashion show, and youth entrepreneur activities.
I am very hopeful that out of these meetings a youth organization will emerge which will offer our young people a positive diversion from their academic requirements and allow them to develop a more well rounded and beneficial life. We, in leadership positions, cannot fair our youth at this crucial times in their lives.
Charles Kemp, Mayor
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