This morning, the Honorable Pete Liakakis, Chairman of the Chatham County Commission gave the oath of office to 41 Chatham County Youth Commissioners, appointing them to serve as the representatives of youth of Chatham County. Thirteen of these young people are new candidates and 28 are returning for another term.

2008-2009 Chatham County Youth Commissioners "These are among the best youth Chatham County has to offer," said Van R. Johnson, II, Youth Commission Director. He added, "Respect, Success, Influence, Integrity and Leadership is the new definition of cool."

The Youth Commission was founded by Dr. Priscilla D. Thomas in 1992. 2008 summer activities included tours to Gulfstream Areospace, Hunter Army Airfield, St. Joseph's/Candler, the Chatham County Jail and Recorders Court and attendance at the Chatham County Commission, Savannah- Chatham School Board and Savannah City Council meetings. Since it's inception, over 350 Chatham County youth have graduated from the program and are all over the country doing positive things and are active in the communities in which they live.

This program has been replicated in Fulton County (Atlanta), GA, Alachua County (Gainesville), FL, Savannah, GA (Savannah Youth Council), Prince George's County, MD, Cass County (Fargo), ND and Dougherty County, (Albany), GA with Youth Commissions soon to be started in DeKalb County, GA, Newnan, GA, Peachtree City, GA and Athens-Clarke County, GA.

For more information on the Chatham County Youth Commission, please check out www.ChathamYouth.com