Jackson youth present community solutions to local leaders

JACKSON, Tenn. — Seniors from across the Jackson-Madison County school system presented solutions to community problems to local leaders Friday.

A panel was held at the Co in north Jackson by second-year participants in a leadership development program. The students researched topics over nine months and presented their findings to area leaders.

“You can always find little problems and you can always find big problems, but the thing about it is that when you have the heart to want to take care of a city and watch the community grow together, it means a lot,” said Kemora Edgeston, a senior at South Side High School.

The seniors spoke to a crowd of about 110 people about mental health, gun violence, food insecurity and stable housing.

One student presented on a lack of safe places for youth to spend their free time. Another student looked into the role high school coaches should have in athletics.

“To hear us out, hear our challenge. Allow for change to happen. You know we’re presenting solutions, so just allow them to be able to hear it. Allow our voices to be heard,” Edgeston said.

This is the fifth annual challenge to the city. Students from Jackson-Madison County school system, Trinity Christian Academy and University School of Jackson participated this year.

The challenge to the city is part of a leadership development program working in coordination with several area foundations.