The Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council (DMYC) held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 6 pm in the Dogwood Meeting Room at Central Square Complex. Following words of encouragement and prayer by Pineview Church of God Pastor Craig Jump, Mrs. Bera Brown-Samuel was recognized as the outstanding community leader for the month of January.

The Youth Council Jr. Commissioner Gabriel Jump was recognized as this month’s Youth Council spotlight. Gabriel is the son of Pastor Craig and Sandee Jump. He is a senior at Coffee High School and has recently qualified for the Zell Miller Scholarship Program. At Coffee High School, Gabriel is a Engineering Academy Ambassador, Varsity Golf Team member, honor roll recipient and scholar athlete. In his free time, he enjoys weightlifting, healthy living, and music. He is an active member of Pineview Church of God and participates in media and sound support. Gabriel plans to attend Georgia Southern University where he will major in Mechanical Engineering.

For December, the Youth Council chose Mrs. Bera Brown- Samuel as the Outstanding Community Leader Spotlight. Mrs. Samuel was recognized for her service to the youth as an educator, community advocate, and entrepreneur for over 30 years. She was also recognized for her published works as an author, producer, and director. Currently, Mrs. Samuels is a volunteer member of the Douglas-Coffee County Land Bank Authority. 

The guest speaker for the meeting was Mr. Charles Davis, Douglas City Manager. Mr. Davis spoke to the group about the projects that have taken place recently in Douglas. He also shared some upcoming community developments.

Stevie Young, Douglas-Coffee County Parks and Recreation Director, presented the Youth Council will the new 2023 Leisure Guide. He also encouraged the Youth Council to become involved with the Miracle League as a “Buddy”.  DMYC Coordinator, Dinitra Williams spoke briefly with the group about upcoming volunteer opportunities with the Keep Douglas Beautiful Committee. City Clerk Wynetta Bolder presented information about the upcoming Ambitious Young Men project in February. 

The next Mayor’s Youth Council will be held on January 21, 2023, at 6 pm at the Youth Center. The public is invited to attend Youth Council meetings. For more details on the Youth Council or Teen Court program, please contact Dinitra Williams, Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council & Teen Court Coordinator, at (912)331-9398 or call the City Clerk’s office at (912)389-3405.