County Launches Youth Commission Program, Offers Teens Chance to Learn, Improve Community

The Escambia County Youth Commission held its first meeting Tuesday, Sept. 17. 

The Youth Commission gives five outstanding youths the opportunity to learn more about civics and local government through firsthand experience, and will focus on programming for young leaders who want to serve their community on behalf of their peers while learning how to influence public policy.  

During Tuesday's meeting, youth commissioners were introduced to county staff members who will be working closely with them over the next eight months, and were given a tour of the Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, including the recording studio and commission chambers.

Youth Commission members are:

• Maggie Brown, Tate High School junior
• Mallory Bell, Escambia High School sophomore
• Amelia Myers, Pensacola High School International Baccalaureate sophomore
• Trinity Kyles, Pensacola High School junior
• Claire Jimenez, Pensacola Catholic High School sophomore

Over the next eight months, the students will tour the county’s many facilities, attend board meetings, and see issues the county faces each day.

The Escambia County Youth Commission was created by District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh to give Escambia youth a vehicle to participate in the process of county government. Selected students have committed to one afternoon/evening meeting a month during their leadership position, to be held on the third Tuesday of the month. Additional volunteer or community opportunities may be selected or organized by the members of the youth commission.

For more information, please visit myescambia.com/youthcommission.