For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
From the Office of Councilmember Will Jawando
ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 2, 2024—Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando, chair of the Council’s Education and Culture Committee, will host the ninth Councilmember for a Day challenge for local high school and middle school students.
The annual Councilmember for a Day program was created in 2016 by former Councilmember Craig Rice as a way for youth to lend their voice on public policy issues and engage with local government in enacting change. Councilmember Jawando is continuing this tradition to engage youth in public policy and, more importantly, provide an opportunity for Councilmembers to learn what issues are important to our youth and what solutions they can offer.
Students submit a short video essay on a public policy issue. The winning video will be selected based on how well the student presents and connects the topic to their local community. The winner will be the guest of honor at a Council lunch, receive a Council proclamation, and serve as an honorary Councilmember for a Day.
Last year, Folashade Epebinu from Seneca Valley High School had the winning video on affordable childcare. “Daycare is essential for so many working parents and guardians in Montgomery County,” said Ms. Epebinu in her video. “I learned about a child development program [at Seneca Valley High School] that aims to support families with the cost of daycare and teach high school students who are looking to go into education and the childcare field.” The video highlighted the importance of the County expanding communication to families and increasing childcare access.
“I was impressed with Ms. Epebinu’s video as well as her academic background,” said Councilmember Jawando. “Young people are aware of the issues impacting their friends, family, and neighbors and we need to make sure their voices are part of developing solutions that meet the needs of today and beyond.”
The challenge is open to students in sixth through twelfth grades. The deadline to submit a video is Thursday, November 7. For more information and to submit your video go to: https://cmjawando.link/CMForADay
To view Folashade’s winning video, “A critical issue in Montgomery County: Affordable Childcare”, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4Y6BHe1ZAE
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Release ID: 24-353