Forward Rabun’s Youth Leadership Program takes on the State Capitol!
Forward Rabun Youth ‘represent’ well in Atlanta
By: Rick Story February 13, 2025
As Forward Rabun continues to provide learning opportunities for local youth, a February visit to our state Capitol was fully in order, as participants got to see the legislature in full swing.
Students and chaperones braved bad weather and heavy traffic to travel to the state Capitol on what turned out to be one of the current session’s busiest days. Amid a flurry of activity, students had the chance to meet briefly with Representative Victor Anderson (GA-10) before being introduced during morning business by both Representative Anderson and Representative Stan Gunter (GA-08), who previously represented Rabun County. Students also managed to greet Senator Bo Hatchett (SS-50) as the senator exited the floor. Students were able to grab the featured photograph with Representative Anderson before enjoying lunch with former state representative Terry Rogers.
During the lunch meeting, former representative Rogers, now a lobbyist, discussed the roles of both legislators and lobbyists before challenging students to pursue dreams and goals above all. “Always follow your heart,” the former representative told the group, “and above all else, be true to yourselves.”
The annual trip to the state Capitol has become one of the Forward Rabun Youth Leadership program’s featured events, as it not only purports to teach students the basics of government, but also hopes to give them a first-hand look at its function.
Forward Rabun’s Youth Leadership program continues to enjoy great success as more and more local students are becoming involved and greater career offerings are being highlighted. The Forward Rabun board also hopes that program efforts are strengthening community collaborations between local schools themselves.
“We are thrilled to see the many benefits the Forward Rabun Youth Leadership program is experiencing,” noted Rabun Gap Nacoochee’s Head of School, Jeff Miles. “Having student representation from Rabun Gap, Rabun County, and Tallulah Falls has allowed the program to be collaborative, informative, and unifying. We look forward to continuing to work with Mr. Cole and Forward Rabun on future opportunities for students at our schools.” Rabun County School Superintendent Steve Cole agrees.
“The Forward Rabun Youth Leadership program offers such a great experience for the students in our community to develop leadership potential and serve others in the most positive way. I am thankful to Forward Rabun for their continued efforts in this area and for our partnership with Rabun Gap and Tallulah Falls to ensure we are all focused on a bright future for these students and the lives they will impact beyond their time with us,” Cole said.
Forward Rabun’s Youth Leadership Program is open to high school juniors who are permanent residents of Rabun County. Students are nominated and selected by coaches and teachers at each of their respective schools. The program continues to operate based on a University of Georgia model that encourages experiential learning outside of traditional classroom settings.
Forward Rabun thanks the parents of all student participants for their continued support, and we also thank Rabun County School Superintendent, Steve Cole, and Rabun Gap Nacoochee Head of School, Jeff Miles, for their continued support. Both Mr. Cole and Mr. Miles serve as members of Forward Rabun’s Board of Directors.