No sooner than we bade "bon voyage" to the students of the Class of 2007 as they leave for school and work, we find the Mayor’s Youth Program jumping into high gear to welcome the Class of 2008 to the next exciting year of planning and dreaming for graduation and beyond. To kick off the fourth year of the Mayor’s Youth Program, Mayor Shirley Franklin will visit each senior class in the Atlanta Public School system to invite all students in the Class of 2008 to participate in her innovative transition program.

On Friday, August 24, 2007, Therrell High School was the first school visited this year by Mayor Franklin and members of the AWDA Youth Program staff. In the coming weeks, all ten APS high schools will host similar assemblies of the senior class to hear the Mayor describe the requirements for participation and the many services that can assist them with college applications, SAT/ACT preparation, scholarships and financial aid processes and career development. She told the Therrell seniors that, "if you are trying to figure out what’s next for you, you need to come and see us. We have a place for everyone in this program!"

The presentation generated a lot of interest and excitement in the students who were especially interested in learning about the healthcare program and SAT prep classes. Mayor Franklin challenged them to have 100% participation this year and invited them to come and meet her one on one at the first "Saturday with the Mayor" on September 22 at the AWDA. One of the goals of the Mayor’s Youth Program is to instill self-motivation and initiative in the students so they are expected to “show up” and stay engaged with the program throughout their senior year. "We can make things happen that you think are impossible but we can’t do it without your help".

Mayor Shirley Franklin and Therrell High School Students.