Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the Youth Advisory Committee Summit
Silver Spring Civic Building,
1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring
As prepared
Hello, it is good to be here this evening.
If you wonder what the future holds, look around you. Our future is right here in this room.
Everyone one of you has an important role. As I look around here, I know our future is in good hands.
As County Executive, I take my responsibility for ensuring that Montgomery County provides you with ample opportunities to live, learn, and succeed very seriously.
I am proud that Montgomery County has one of the best public school systems in the country and that many of our County departments such as our Health and Human Services, Public Libraries and Police provide dozens of services for our young people.
Our Recreation Department is nationally recognized for their cutting-edge programs and services to help you reach your full potential.
It’s not a handout; but rather it’s the opportunity to succeed that each one of you deserves. It is your responsibility to take those opportunities and work to build a good future.
The fact that you are here, this evening, tells me that you are smart enough to take advantage of such opportunities.
Almost everything has changed since I was a boy growing up in Louisiana. You live in a very different world than the world I grew up in. To be honest, some of the things I see you doing with your cell phones and tablets do not seem real to me.
I am sure there are some of you right now who are texting and having conversations with several people. I do not know how you can keep up with all of that.
Although I grew up in a different time, there are some things that have not changed. When I was your age, I felt uncertain about my future.
I did not know exactly what I wanted to do; but I knew that if I worked hard that I could make a better life. I also knew that it was important to get a good education.
It was not easy for me. I do not think it will be easy for you either. I know you will have challenges; BUT when you come up against that challenge, meet it head on!
Whether you decide to go to college or choose a different career path the important thing is that you believe in yourself and do what you need to do to reach your full potential.
Success is about working hard, not being perfect. It is about making mistakes and then learning from those mistakes so you’re better-positioned for the future.
Your voice is critical to this evening. The staff is here to listen. I want you to talk about what Montgomery County can do better to support you and find out how you can better support Montgomery County.
I also want you to think about what your responsibilities are to yourself, your family, your school and your neighborhood.
This summit is about coming together to talk about issues that are important to you. We can all benefit when we listen to one another and then work together to take responsibility.
Thank you for participating and helping to do your part to improve youth opportunities.
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Release ID: 17-053
May 10; 5:30 p.m.