Kandon Fears (Cohort 2018 P) Sworn In as DeKalb County Youth Commissioner

Reach for Excellence Alum, Kandon Fears (Cohort 2018 P, DeKalb School of the Arts ’22), was recently selected to be a DeKalb County Youth Commissioner.

Thirty-two youth from throughout the County were sworn into their positions as Youth Commissioners by the Honorable Asha Jackson, DeKalb County Chief Judge of Superior Court at a recent virtual ceremony. DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond was the featured speaker, stating “you have the power and the influence to transform and improve the quality of life throughout DeKalb County, Georgia and our nation.”

The Dekalb County Youth Commission is a leadership program established to involve youth, from varied social economic backgrounds and disparate neighborhoods, in opportunities to have a voice in their communities.

Through monitoring of Commission activities, hosting of workshops, and attendance at campaigns and rallies on topics pertinent to the concerns and interests of young people, participants learn to isolate and define specific issues.

By learning the role of government, with an emphasis on county government, participation in civic and community activities, and representing the views of youth in DeKalb County, a platform is constructed to support youth advocacy, resulting in youth becoming effective leaders in the future.