ATHENS-Three young women who said they have learned about making a positive impact, working with others to make a
difference and taking the time to see the little things recently received scholarships from the Athens Mayorโs
Youth Commission.
Each year the Youth Commission offers a scholarship to a graduating member to help fund tuition or college
supplies or fees. This year, because of an anonymous donor, the Youth Commission was able to distribute three
scholarships.
The recipients were:
๏ท Cevahni McNeill, graduate of Athens Renaissance who is going to the University of North Alabama –
$200.
๏ท Bailee Velotta, graduate of Athens High School, who is going to the University of South Alabama –
$100 in memory of Anita Collier.
๏ท Chloe Malone, graduate of Athens High School, who is going to the University of North Alabama –
$100.
โWe are going to miss these young ladies in Youth Commission because they truly embraced the mission of
learning about local government and investing in our city,โ Mayor Ronnie Marks said. โI know they will be active
within their college communities, and if weโre lucky, theyโll return to Athens one day and continue making a
difference with us.โ
During her career with Youth Commission, McNeill volunteered with Make A Way Foundation, Ella the Elf
Gingerbread Contest, Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park Committeeโs Christmas event and other activities.
โDuring my years as a Youth Commissioner, I have come to understand that being a commissioner is about
much more than just being part of a group or club,โ she said. โIt means taking on a responsibility to serve others
and being fully committed to helping my community grow, improve and become a better place for everyone.โ
Velotta helped students paint at Isomโs Orchard with Athens Arts League, donated to various supply drives and
made a video about the Athens Square, among other endeavors.
โOne of the most impactful lessons came from watching the adult leaders who mentored us,โ she said. โTheir
kindness, patience and unwavering dedication to the City of Athens inspired me. They showed me that
leadership is not about titles or recognition, but about showing up with a servantโs heart and a willingness to do
the hard work that makes a city thrive.โ
In addition to volunteering, Youth Commissioners attend City Council and Athens City Board of Education
meetings, as well as monthly meetings at various city department, non-profits and businesses. Malone said she
enjoyed learning from and meeting community leaders in Athens.
โI learned that our community is made of great people,โ Malone said. โI think the community has impacted me
more than I impacted the community because I gave a small ounce of my time. Community service is important
because it allows you to see the little things. We have a great community, and I (hope) others can see what I
see.โ
