On Thursday, May 18, 2023, 24 students graduated from Macon-Bibb County’s Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS). They were presented with a diploma to honor their completion of the immersive program that teaches young people about government operations in our community and state. 

“This year we had a wonderful group of students,” said Community Affairs Executive Director and GCAPS Coordinator Dr. Henry Ficklin. “They were really interested in learning about the different agencies in our local and state government. This is an experience that will benefit them in their careers and lives.” 

“The trips we took every month showed me that our city and country as a whole could not run without these special individuals who work in these places,” said GCAPS Scholar Adrian Daniel. “I plan on being a GCAPS member for the next two years in high school. I have met so many great people in this program. GCAPS has been a blessing to me.” 

Students were given an overview of several departments within Macon-Bibb, including the Mayor’s Office and the Commission, the Clerk of County Commission, Board of Elections, Human Resources, Recreation, Parks and Beautification, Finance, Engineering, Code Enforcement, Facilities Management, Small Business Affairs, and Communications. 

Students also took trips to the Middle Georgia Regional Airport, Emergency Management Agency, Fire Training Academy, Sheriff’s Office and Law Enforcement Center, Visit Macon, Macon Water Authority’s Treatment Plant, the Georgia State Capitol, and the Federal Reserve Bank. 

Click here to view more pictures from the ceremony. 

GCAPS Scholars 2023 

Raeleigh Arimah              Sophomore                      Howard High 

Carter Atkinson               Junior                                Howard High 

Wilson Bridges                 Senior                                Central High 

Lauryn Canty                    Senior                                Howard High 

Andreas Cooke, Jr.           Junior                                Mt. DeSales High 

Adrian Daniel                   Sophomore                      Howard High 

Madison David                Sophomore                      Howard High 

MyAsia Hancock              Sophomore                      Northeast High 

Lillian Harper                   Junior                                Howard High 

Kyle Hicks                          Sophomore                      Howard High 

Cameron McKay              Senior                                Howard High 

Reanna Nelson                Sophomore                      Central High 

Azaley Person                  Sophomore                      Northeast High 

Jazmyn Revels                  Senior                                Northeast High 

Ja’Darrien Riggins           Sophomore                      Northeast High 

Sofia Suarez                     Senior                                Home School 

Zayna Suarez                    Sophomore                      Home School 

Hayley Terry                     Sophomore                      Northeast High 

Jonta Thorpe                   Senior                                Northeast High 

Jamiah Tolbert                 Senior                                Howard High 

Jayden Tolbert                 Sophomore                      Howard High 

Denzel Washington        Senior                                Rutland High 

Donald Williams III          Sophomore                      Howard High 

Keadence Williams         Junior                                Northeast High