Leadership Programs, Community Events, Give Students Chance to Grow

April 1, 2022

Please note: This article was originally posted during a previous school year. Information and/or dates from past events
may be not be relevant for the current school year.

Student learning opportunities extend beyond the classroom. In Clarksville-Montgomery County, students and families have the chance to explore a variety of service-related activities and take part in events meant to develop stronger communities.

Youth Leadership

The Mayors Youth Council is an organization open to Juniors and Seniors. Both the County and City host a Youth Council, allowing students to explore their community through service projects.

Tyler Rose is the current president of the Clarksville Mayors Youth Council. “It offers high school students a different lens that they wouldn’t normally get,” he said. There are six pods offered including social justice, food and housing insecurity, public health, education, citizen participation, and environment.

Melissa Adkins, with Clarksville Park and Recreation, is the organization’s advisor. She shared that in the past two years, the youth council was redesigned to focus more on volunteering.

During the year, students will tour different non-profit organizations and departments within the local government. They have the opportunity to learn and speak directly with community leaders.

“The Mayors Youth Council has definitely taught me that community work is important,” said Tyler. “It is something that I don’t want to stop after graduation.”

For more information on the Clarksville Mayor’s Youth Council, visit this site.

Applications for the Montgomery County Emerging Leaders Program are available now. Youth Leadership Clarksville is also accepting applications until May 1, 2022. For more information, visit their website.

Photo submitted by the Mayor’s Youth Council.

Family Engagement Events

For families looking for a safe and engaging place to participate in community activities, the City also offers a Summer Night Lights program throughout the summer. Scheduled for specific days through June – July, the program is designed as a family-friendly evening out. The Clarksville Police and Clarksville Fire departments engage with youth in games of basketball, obstacle courses, and more.

These social-emotional supports are a foundation of the Summer Night Lights program. Building trusting relationships with local law enforcement has a positive impact on children and young adults.

Mayor Joe Pitts spoke about the intangible benefits of building relationships, “in Dixon Park at 10th and Franklin, seeing police officers in full uniform out in July heat playing basketball. Watching firefighters participate in obstacle courses at Lettie Kendall Park, it’s hard to measure, it’s not tangible.” The results are evident. Children and families enjoy sharing a meal, participating in the activities, and having the chance to speak with community leaders.

Families or organizations who are interested in participating can see the full list of dates below. Fore more information, contact the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department at 931-645-7476.

2022 Summer Night Lights Dates
Jun 6, 2022 **Kleeman Rec.
Jun 8, 2022 Lincoln Homes
Jun 13, 2022 Summit Heights
Jun 15, 2022 **Bel-Aire
Jun 22, 2022 Edith Pettus
Jun 27, 2022 Chapel Street
Jul 6, 2022 Lincoln Homes
Jul 11, 2022 Summit Heights
Jul 13, 2022 Caldwell Lane
Jul 18, 2022 **Bel-Aire
Jul 20, 2022 Chapel Street
Jul 25, 2022 Edith Pettus
Jun 29, 2022 Caldwell Lane
Jul 27, 2022 **Kleeman Rec.