SNELLVILLE – One by one, 25 South Gwinnett and Shiloh high school students came forward to get nametags at Monday night's council meeting.
The nametags not only had their name on it, but also a new title – Youth Commission Ambassador.
In front of friends and family, the students became the first ambassadors of the newly created Snellville Youth Commission. The group is designed "to prepare our young adults for a lifetime of public and community service (and) to instill a leadership mindset in young adults who will enhance and contribute to the growth of our Snellville community."
Councilwoman and SGHS teacher Cristy Lenski spearheaded the creation of the organization after inspiration from Mayor Tom Witts and said the group has been charged with "forging tomorrow's leaders today."
The ambassadors will learn the ins and outs of local government, be groomed as future community leaders and prepare for a lifetime of public and community service. They will also advise city leaders on issues affecting young people.
"In all your actions, you will be looked at as a part of the city," Witts told the ambassadors after they were sworn in. He told them they will be representatives of the city, the council, residents and the neighborhoods they live in.
The community will get a first-hand look at the ambassadors in action Saturday and Sunday at the city's premier event, Snellville Days, where they will be helping distribute city information.