HYLA Junior High learns about Civic Engagement

For Immediate Release:
March 7, 2019
 
The Hancock Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA) Junior High Program Class of 2019 spent their most recent session developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make a difference in our community through both the political and non-political process.
 
The 2019 HYLA Junior High School Class is comprised of seventeen eighth graders from Hancock County who represent all four area middle schools (Bay/Waveland Middle, Hancock Middle, Our Lady Academy and St. Stanislaus).  On Wednesday, February 20th, the group began their day at the Hancock Resource Center where they participated in a few activities before being visited by Hancock County Judge Trent Favre.  Judge Favre talked to the group about the relationship of civic duty and leadership and discussed ways that the students could get involved in their community.  The students then brainstormed areas of concern in our county and began the process of developing a service project they will complete at their last session.  The students were treated to a delicious lunch at La Chula before traveling to the Hancock County’s Public Safety Complex.  Sheriff Ricky Adam and Warden Brandon Zeringue talked with them about law enforcement and they toured the jail complex.  Students also heard from two inmates about the real consequences of making poor decisions.  The day ended with a visit to Diamondhead City Hall where Mayor Thomas Schafer discussed Diamondhead’s form of government and arranged the students’ participation in a mock city council meeting.
 
The Hancock Youth Leadership Academy is the only county-wide youth leadership program in Hancock County and is a program of the Hancock Resource Center.   HYLA is funded by sponsorships and donations from the local community.  If you are interested in supporting the Hancock Youth Leadership Academy, contact Hancock Resource Center by visiting the website www.hancockhrc.org or call 228-463-8887 to learn how.
 
Picture: Front Row (left to right):  Katie Koenenn (OLA), Makayla Robertson (Hancock Middle), Sheriff Ricky Adam, Jenna Antunica (Hancock Middle), Lilianne Martin (OLA), and Hailey Capo (OLA).
Middle Row:  Assistant Warden Amanda Parker, Ella Key (Hancock Middle), Lilly Lundgren (OLA), Allison Mauffray (Bay Middle), Kamryn Avery (Bay Middle), Brynn Compretta (Bay Middle), Trinity Reynolds (Bay Middle), and Commander Jeremy Skinner.
Back Row:  Max Garrett (Hancock Middle), Landon DeWitt (Hancock Middle), Elijah Boudreaux (Hancock Middle), Owen Haynes (Hancock Middle), Edward Dezendorf (Saint Stanislaus), Louis Weber (Saint Stanislaus) and Warden Brandon Zeringue.