Our Georgia Civics Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS) Class of 2022 officially graduated on Thursday, May 19. Eighteen students went through GCAPS this school year where they were able to learn about local government agencies and explore different sites throughout our County.
The students were celebrated at the Robert Train Building where they received their certificates and special awards in front of friends, family, and local leaders. Mayor Lester Miller and County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett brought words of congratulations and encouragement to the graduates.
“Although the pandemic curtailed some activities, the students enjoyed a full experience and opportunity to learn about the inside operations of local government,” said Community Affairs Executive Director and GCAPS Coordinator Dr. Henry Ficklin. “This was a great group of students to restart the program after it was shut down for during COVID-19. I am very pleased with each participant and thank their parents and school for their involvement.”
During the year, students were given overviews of several departments within Macon-Bibb including the Mayor’s Office, the Commission, Clerk of Commission, Board of Elections, Human Resources, Recreation, Parks and Beautification, Finance, Engineering, Code Enforcement, E911, Facilities Management, Emergency Management Agency, Middle Georgia Regional Airport, Fire, and Small Business. Students also took trips to the new Hotel 45, Sheriff’s Office and Law Enforcement Center, Visit Macon, Water Authority Plant, and the Georgia State Capitol.
“I would recommend GCAPS to other students because it’s important to know the basics of how a government runs,” said Central High School Junior Jackson Pettigrew. “This can also help you find potential career paths because you’re speaking directly to people in those roles. It can be a great opportunity.”
Congratulations, GCAPS Class of 2022! We are so happy to have you on #TeamMaconBibb.
Chandler Daniel 12th Grade Howard High School
Kayla Harden 12th Southwest High School
Gabriel Howard 10th Grade Mount De Sales Academy
Kevin Jackson 11th Grade Southwest High School
Henry Jennings 11th Grade Central High School
Alashis Lowe 11th Grade Southwest High School
Austin Mark Northeast High School
Cameron McKay Howard High School
Nyla Nelson 10th Grade Southwest High School
Christian Osornio 11th Grade Central High School
Altaron Palmer 12th Grade Southwest High School
Jacquelyn Patrick 12th Grade Northeast High School
Samarion Perkins 11th Grade VIP
Jackson Pettigrew 11th Grade Central High School
Savannah Pettigrew 10th Grade Central High School
Jazmyn Revels 11th Grade Northeast High School
Ari Taylor 11th Grade Central High School
Nylah Thomas 11th Grade Central High School
Jonta Thorpe 11th Grade Northeast High School
Eyaja Williams 12th Grade Northeast High School
Jalayzha Williams 11th Grade Northeast High School
Keadence Williams 10th Grade Howard High School