Meet the Statesboro Youth Connect Summer Program Graduates: Part 3

Grice Connect did a three-part series on the Statesboro Youth Connect summer program students and graduation. In parts 1 and 2, we interviewed a few of the SYC students to get their highlights from the summer program and work experience. This is Part 3 of our three-part series.

The City of Statesboro's "Statesboro Youth Connect" students recently completed their 5-week summer program internships.

31 Statesboro Youth Connect Students graduated from the program on Friday, June 30^th, in an intimate graduation ceremony at the Statesboro City Hall.

yc9 — The Statesboro Youth Connect graduation being held at Statesboro City Hall.

“Statesboro Youth Connect” is a 5-week summer program for high school students interested in gaining valuable workplace experience. The recognition ceremony on June 30^th was themed under the phrase “I have the Keys to Success.” It included Youth Connect reflections from Ja’Kori Cope, Sanaye Scott, and Alijah Wright.

yc2 — Ja'Kori Cope delivers reflection speech.

yc3 — Sanaye Scott delivers reflection speech.

yc4 — Alijah Wright delivers reflection speech.

It also included employer reflections from DeWayne Grice (Grice Connect) and RaDonna Sapp (Allstate Insurance).

yc5 — DeWayne Grice (Grice Connect) delivers employer reflection speech.

yc6 — RaDonna Sapp (Allstate Insurance) delivers employer reflection speech.

Mayor Jonathan McCollar also gave some final remarks on the summer 2023 program and delivered graduation certificates to the Statesboro Youth Connect graduates.

youth-connect-4 — Valery Manville recieves certificate from Mayor Jonathan McCollar. (Photo sourced from City of Statesboro Government Facebook Page.)

youth-connect-5 — Charles McNeal recieves certificate from Mayor Jonathan McCollar. (Photo sourced from City of Statesboro Government Facebook Page.)

The City of Statesboro's Youth Program Coordinator, Dr. LaSara Mitchell, was the moderator for the ceremony and the "Statesboro Youth Connect" program coordinator.

In speaking with Dr. Mitchell on the conclusion of the summer 2023 Statesboro Youth Connect Program, she had these final remarks to give on its overall success.

“In the past few weeks, students have had the opportunity to interact with the community and local leaders they have gained several new skills and built new positive relationships," Dr. Mitchell said. "It was our goal to not just provide a work experience, but a mentorship and connection with purposeful learning and career path exploration. The Youth Connect Jr. employees have gained some new tools to their belts. Regardless of the training, experience, & skills they have acquired, ultimately the choices they make determine their success and which doors those keys open. It is my desire that each participant takes away from this program that THEY are the key to their success. We hope that these students will continue to set the example and make positive connections that build up this community.”