The five high school students selected for participation in Granville County Government’s Summer Civic Leadership Program have completed their five-week rotations among county departments and with community partners. Now in its twentieth year, the program helps give insight into how local government operates and how it impacts the community and its residents.
Participants Sarah Elliott, Tanaura Harrison and Akoya Penny-Campbell (students of Granville Early College High School); Anthony Goreman (homeschooled); and Brooklyn Pridgen (J.F. Webb High School) were selected out of a pool of 15 applicants, which has been described as a “competitive” application process. Each rising high school senior followed “tracks” that focused on general government, human services, public safety and community services while learning how each department works together to benefit local residents.
At the Aug. 5 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, these summer interns” made a group presentation about their experience and their “take-aways” from the program.
As the only male participant, Goreman noted that he enjoyed the opportunity to work with the “amazing” people who “keep Granville County running safely and smoothly.” “Everyone was very welcoming and helpful,” he added.
Fellow intern Tanaura Harrison agreed. “I enjoyed interning for the different departments and being able to see how each department individually functions, but also how they all work together,” she said. “In all, I truly enjoyed my experience.”
Each participant has been awarded educational assistance in the amount of $1,400.
“This program is not only a great opportunity for our young leaders to learn about careers in local government and the impact of local government, but it’s also a good lesson for our staff,” said Granville County’s Management Analyst Charla Duncan, who facilitated this year’s program. “We can see our roles through the eyes of our young citizens, and that’s an important lens to look through.”
Students interested in participating in next year’s Summer Civic Leadership Program can look for announcements beginning in March of 2020. To learn more, contact Duncan at 919-603-1639 or charla.duncan@granvillecounty.org.
