Unaka – About 30 people gathered in the Unaka Community Club on Oct. 6 to honor as well as brainstorm ideas with area youth.
UNC Graduate Ona Elkins joins the Murphy Community launching an Innovative Youth Program.
The new program called, Mayor’s Rising Stars is open to all youth in Cherokee County.
Working with Nancy Helms, a member of the Murphy Rotary Club, Elkins is spearheading the development of the Mayor’s Rising Stars program. The program is geared towards nurturing the potential of 20 high school students in the region, preparing them for future leadership roles.
“I love working with kids and it’s probably the most fun part of my job,” said Elkins, a member of AmeriCorps.
She’s working with the Town of Murphy, fulfilling some of the duties that come with local government.
“As mayor, I’m excited to start the Mayor’s Rising Stars youth leadership group. Our goal is to help young people in Cherokee County strengthen their social skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, while also building their self-esteem and confidence,” Radford said.
“By working on projects that make a positive impact in the community, they’ll form new friendships and learn important skills. But, most of all, I want them to enjoy the experience and have fun while developing their leadership potential.”
The meeting included welcoming new members and enjoying a taco lunch provided by the Unaka Community Club, provided by the Mason, Newcomb and Willis families. There was also an ice-breaking and interactive game geared toward getting to know other attendees.
A book was read by local resident Cathy Yost to young folks in the meeting about seeing one’s reflection in a mirror and hearing it speak back about the attributes and goodness of the one holding the mirror. After the read, Helms presented each young person with their own handheld mirror.
Madison Debty, 13, of Unaka, attends Murphy Middle School. This rising star is involved in many things, including volleyball and cross country, and will soon be starting basketball.
Her ideas under the mayor’s program is to help with Toys for Tots and other projects, saying, “It just feels good to help people and know that they are benefiting from it.”
The Mayor’s Rising Stars program will offer youth in the program a variety of experiences, including visits to the local businesses to explore diverse career paths, the opportunity to engage in community service projects as well as learning opportunities that are focused on the college application process and financial literacy.
The next Mayor’s Rising Stars meeting will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at Murphy Town Hall, 5 Wofford St.
Details: Email oelkins@townofmurphync.com.