Mayor’s Office of Youth Employment and Engagement interns complete inaugural program

Story by Communications Intern Dexter Whitby, Jr. - On July 30, the 40 interns in the Mayor's Office of Youth Employment and Engagement (M.O.Y.E.E) program were recognized by Macon-Bibb officials for completing their six-week-long program. Family and friends celebrated with a graduation ceremony in Commission Chambers at City Hall.

Through the M.O.Y.E.E., young people ages 16-24 had a six-week internship and gained hands-on experience and exposure to a variety of career paths throughout Macon-Bibb. Participants younger than 20 worked 20 hours a week, and those 18-24 worked 25 hours a week. Businesses and organizations include local businesses, government departments, and other industries. A list of participating organizations is below.

Mayor Lester Miller greeted the crowd and addressed the interns, crediting them for their hard work. "We are truly working to lift people up and prepare them for a successful career in our community," said Mayor Lester Miller. "No matter their interest, we want to make sure people have the skills and opportunities to get ahead in life and create a stronger future for their families and neighborhoods."

This was followed by an employer's perspective from Mr. Andrew Eck and remarks from Pastor Jarvis Adside.

The M.O.Y.E.E Steering Committee, consisting of Jerry Battle, Howard Scott, Horace Holmes, and Dr. Henry Ficklin, received awards for pioneering the program and giving the kids a chance to get a head start in the workforce.

The interns also received certificates in honor of their hard work. Intern Xavier Simmons is currently a firefighter, and a key skill he learned from the internship is fellowship. "Grow to learn new people; new people always can bring different things that you may not know, and you can teach them things that they may not know."

"As I go into my future career, I would just keep applying that hard work and that hard pressure that was put on me," says Ayanna Willis, another M.O.Y.E.E intern.

Pastor Bob Hunnicutt issued the closing remarks to wrap up the ceremony. Click here to see more pictures.

Congratulations to our M.O.Y.E.E. Graduates!

Zykee A. Anthony

Niya L. Blassingame

Jer'Mia L. Bonner

Gianni A. Brown

Caleb A. Burnett

Brianna L. Calhoun

Alexa C. Carswell

Karsen C. Coley

Keith Dennard, Jr.

Jonjavious C. Dillard

Tae'vion D. Dudley

Amari J. Edwards

Jacobe S. Elcock

Teon L. Fort

Brandon L. Glover

Arlissia Harris

Kawana Harris

Stephen D. Hill, Jr.

Jarvis K. Holloway, Jr.

Anthony J. Johnson, Jr.

Chaniyah M. Johnson

Jermiaus A. Johnson

Amir R. Kendrick

Chanaliyah F. Lewis

Maliah C. McGee

Phillip N. McGirt

Zarah R. Miller

Zylah S. Miller

Zacharias J. Pryor

Devin G. Reaves

Kenneth D. Robinson

Mason J. Robinson

James D. Rumph

Brandon J. Simmons

Xavier L. Simmons

London |. Stephens

Keith A. Stephens, II

Zantavius M. Towles, Jr.

Carmelia S. Walker

Tikora J. Waters

M.O.Y.E.E. Partner List

Atrium Health Navicent

Scott's Pharmacy

Cirrus Academy

Daily Grace Nursing Adult Care Center

YKK AP

United Defense

Sheridan Construction

Stafford Builders

Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department

Legends Fitness Center

Macon-Bibb County Fire Department

Bibb County Coroner's Office

Georgia Artisin, Inc.

Macon Water Authority