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By Jeanna Baxter White

Word Master Media Group

After weeks of planning and preparation, Davie County’s team leaves for Denver Thursday morning to compete against 19 other communities for the honor of being named an All-America City.

This year’s theme for the Aaward is “Creating Thriving Communities through Youth Engagement.”

Davie’s application focuses on youth programs that build civic capacity, increase job readiness and employment and provide leadership opportunities.

Davie’s team of students representing Ignite Davie, Davie Works/CTE, SURF Board, and Davie Respect Initiative (DRI) worked over the weekend to perfect the presentation. They are supported by a team of advisors, government and community leaders, and parent chaperones.

In Denver, the team will have additional practices, participate in workshops and roundtable discussions, and attend a civic fair and cultural entertainment showcase before presenting on Saturday morning. They will give a 10-minute presentation followed by 10 minutes of Q&A with the judges. Winners will be announced Sunday night.

The National Civic League’s award has celebrated the best in American civic innovation since 1949. The award, bestowed yearly on 10 communities), recognizes the work of communities in using inclusive civic engagement to address critical issues and create stronger connections among residents, businesses, nonprofits, and government leaders.

The 2023 award seeks to identify communities that are breaking down barriers to meaningful youth participation and enacting programs that will improve the quality of life for youth and, by extension, all members of the community.

Representing Davie County for the All-America City Award  will be:

CTE: Grayson Haynes, Macey Smith, Journey Bowman, Amber Lynde, Alyse Wooldridge (career development coordinator, Davie High), Anthony Davis (director of CTE and federal programs, Davie Schools), Jinda Haynes (assistant superintendent for human resources, Davie Schools), Jennifer Lynde (chief academic officer, Davie Schools).

DRI: Ellie Prillaman, Sylas Johnson, Sean Lane, Julia Burazer (DRI advisor).

Ignite Davie: Emma James, Merritt Killian, Carolyn McManamy (director of DavieConnect).

SURF: Brooklyn Lakey, Whitney DeLoach, Tami Daniel (advisor).

Bermuda Run: Andrew Meadwell, town manager; Melinda Szeliga, town board.

Mocksville: Ken Gamble, town manager .

Cooleemee: Wendy Terry, Dawn Mitchell.

Davie County: Brian Barnett, county manager; Kelly Funderburk, register of deeds.

Press: Jeanna White, Word Master Media Group.

Adult chaperones include Lisa Prillaman, Tiffany Johnson, Jacqueline Lane, Gregory Burazer, Suzanne Lakey, Hannah Meadwell, and Lisa Gamble.

Check @Davie County on Facebook June 8-11 for updates and pictures from Denver.