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A resolution recognizing the finalists for the youth civic contest “Show Us YOUR Nashville,” hosted by Kidizenship and Vanderbilt University’s Project on Unity and American Democracy.
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WHEREAS, Kidizenship is a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower young people through civic engagement, informed journalism, and creative expression; and
WHEREAS, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, civic knowledge among young people has decreased since 2018, with only 22% of US 8th graders proficient in Civics in 2022; and
WHEREAS, the Show Us YOUR Nashville contest, which concluded on September 23, 2023, asked Nashvillians between the ages of 8 and 18 to submit a unique idea to improve the Nashville community using a visual representation and written description; and
WHEREAS, adult leaders Amanda Little, Kidizenship Founder and Executive Director, and Marisa Frank, Director of Programming, have worked tirelessly to inspire youth to have a voice in how the future of our city is shaped; and
WHEREAS, the 29 finalists of the contest, Adella Schwartz, 9, Amelia Thornhill, 12, Elliot George, 12, Esther Boehler & Margo Rogers, 10, Harper Hughey, 12, Isaac Mead, 11, Julia Dryden & Elise Jahangir, 9, Kaira Garcia, 12, Kamillia Hellweg, 10, Maisie Boyd, 9, Mary Logan, 12, Noelle Allen, 11, & Maddie Thomas, 12, Alice Ornes, 14, Ansley Martin, 14, Henry Gatto, 17 & Ophelia Cherry-Pulay, 16, Jarith Guzman, 14, Katreen Dawood, 14, Mary Alice Pierce, 17, Natalia Falconi, 15, Reina Zhang, 15, SJ Clayton, 17, Stella Graham, 14, Tatiyanna Farmer, 13, Thalia Senmounnarath, 16, and Lily June Beyer, 10, and the 8 ambassadors that supported the contest and encouraged their peers to submit, Emmie Wolf-Dubin, 15, Lucille Block, 13, Annika Abramson, 13, Selah Dowell, 13, Kaeli Darrah, 13, Katie Rush, 17, Calliope Gray Mosser, 14, and Mattie James Bass, 12, were selected based on the power of their visual element along with the clarity and uniqueness of their written essay; and
WHEREAS, the contest promotes civic engagement among young people and encourages them to come up with creative solutions to our community’s most pressing issues; and
WHEREAS, these young finalists should be celebrated for their creative visions, commitment to our community, and inspiration they provide to our city leaders and their teachers, families, and peers.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as honoring the 29 “Show Us YOUR Nashville” finalists and 8 ambassadors for their powerful visions of positive change for Nashville.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.