Chatham County on Thursday swore in a 28-member Youth Commission for 2025, and Mayor Van Johnson and county leaders used the ceremony to praise the program as a long-running model of youth engagement.

Mayor Van Johnson told the commission the county's youth commission program has operated for 34 years and described it as "a best practice" for preparing young people for public service. County staff and volunteers said the program is entirely volunteer-driven; the mayor and advisers said 100% of donated funds go directly to program activities.

The board administered oaths and named the incoming officers. Mariah Cade, a senior at Savannah Arts Academy, was sworn in as chair and introduced herself to the commission, saying she looked forward to building on previous years and supporting the commission's work.

Officials noted the composition of the group this year: 28 members with 10 returning commissioners and 18 new members. Several area high schools were represented, and county leaders thanked advisers, school administrators and parents for their support.

Why it matters: County leaders said the youth commission feeds civic engagement and career pathways; organizers pointed to alumni who have returned to local government or public service, including a former youth commissioner who is now a juvenile court judge.

The ceremony concluded with a group photograph and an invitation for commissioners to attend Youth Commission events this year.