The Okaloosa County Youth Leadership Council (YLC), a partnership between the Okaloosa County School District and the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, continues to provide students with meaningful opportunities to grow as leaders while making a positive impact in their community.
Comprised of high school juniors and seniors selected to represent their schools, the YLC was established in 2021, and the program is designed to give students firsthand experience with local government, strengthen leadership skills, and engage them in projects that address real community needs.
Each year, council members collaborate on an initiative that reflects current issues facing their peers. This year, students worked together to create a video focused on internet safety. The project highlights the importance of responsible online behavior, digital awareness, and strategies for staying safe in an increasingly connected world. Through this initiative, YLC students not only raised awareness about a critical topic but also demonstrated the power of student voice and leadership in shaping a safer, more informed community.
Pictured above: YLC members, Wesley Gieringer (Collegiate), Lester Hammond (Collegiate), Cameron Ross (Rocky Bayou), Ava Mullins (Baker), Abbigail Heck (Choctaw), Hadley Fay (Niceville), are pictured with Assistant Superintendent John Spolski, Superintendent Marcus Chambers, Commissioner Drew Palmer, and Ms. Allison Sullivan.