The Stockbridge Youth Council did its part to honor local high school graduates. The council, made up of the best and the brightest teens in the area, did an official farewell with a honk and wave parade on Saturday, May 17 for those members who have completed their senior year of high school. The members of the Stockbridge Youth Council were joined by their parents, members of the Stockbridge Youth Advisory Board and various community volunteers. All gathered with the goal of spotlighting the achievements of high school seniors graduating in 2020. 

  Due to the COIVD-19 pandemic, the event organizers and volunteers practiced social distancing as they decorated processional vehicles for the farewell parade. There was a great deal of excitement throughout the process. The high school seniors of the Stockbridge Youth Council came outside of their homes to receive cheers, car honks and claps from the coordinators and fellow neighbors. The student leaders were grateful and excited to receive the support. The parade was a pleasant surprise that brandished support and pride for the academic success of the scholars.

  “Every year we honor our students and we had to come up with a safe and innovative way to show the seniors of the Stockbridge Youth Council just how proud we are of them,” said Stockbridge Youth Council Advisory Board Chairperson Erika Harvey. “Although COVID-19 has put a damper on what most graduating high school students would consider their most memorable year, it was important that the Stockbridge Youth Council demonstrate the community pride of Stockbridge during these unique and trying moments.” “COVID-19 will not break our community,” said Stockbridge Youth Council Chairperson Jayden Williams. “We are forever Stockbridge Strong and Henry Strong! Our seniors have worked hard and we are so proud of them.” 

  The students listed below are the graduating seniors honored on May 17, 2020 by the Stockbridge Youth Council. Their confirmed college selections are listed as well. 

•   Sanaya Alexander- Fort Valley State University 
•   VaSanti Brock- Tuskegee University 
•   Jalen Jenkins- Albany State University
•   Kyla Jordan- Clark Atlanta University
•   Aaliyah Lott- Albany State University 
•   Nadiyah Timmons- Temple University 

  For more information on the City of Stockbridge, visit www.cityofstockbridge.com.