Local youths graduate from KEYS to community program

Young people in Kemper County are now better ac­quainted with local gov­ernment after completing the "Keys to Community" program. The program is open to youths ages 14-18 and is provided by the Mis­sissippi State University Extension Service. Four­teen seniors at Kemper Academy successfully completed the program.

The purpose of the "Keys to Community" is to help local youths understand how county government operates, what county government is trying to ac­complish, and how the ac­tions of county government affect their lives. I am grateful for the community partnership and the support of our local elected officials who are always willing to take part in the program, said Malikah Jones, the MSU Extension Agent in Kem­per County.

"Young people are the future leaders of Kemper County. We hope this pro­gram is the first step in fos­tering active and engaged citizens," Jones said.