Douglas County Youth Commission honors Class of 2026; judge urges pursuit of 'excellence'

Douglas County's Youth Commission marked the graduation of its Class of 2026 with a ceremony that recognized 13 seniors, presented leadership and achievement awards, and installed the commission's 2026–27 executive board.

Wendy Caudle, head of Douglas County's constituent services department, opened the program and thanked parents, educators and county leaders for supporting the program. "On behalf of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, I welcome you tonight with thanks and gratitude," she said.

The program front‑loaded student voices. Jordan Craddock, vice chair and acting chair for the evening, told the graduates: "Youth Commission is one of the few places where students actually get the chance to be heard and make a real difference in their community, not later, not tomorrow, but right now." The event included remarks from three youth commissioners who described how the year built confidence, civic knowledge and practical policy skills.

Judge Zane Hedge, chief magistrate judge of Douglas County, delivered the keynote. He praised the students' decision to pursue civic engagement and told them, "Excellence is no accident," urging sustained discipline and service as they move forward.

Staff presented awards honoring student achievement and service. The Pillar of Excellence Award went to Ellie Godwin for sustained academic achievement and sustained volunteer work; the Bridge Award went to Sofia Serrano for cross‑generational engagement; Camille Scott received the Virtuoso Award for artistic achievement; Kennedy Lester was named Polished Professional; Anthony Frasier was honored as Rising Star; and Lavin Burgess received the Leadership Award for consistent initiative and engagement.

The ceremony also announced the commission's new officers for 2026–27. Program staff installed the executive board and administered an oath of office; Jordan Craddock passed the gavel to incoming chair Lavin Burgess, who pledged to lead with "courage, fairness and compassion."

Caudle closed the event by inviting guests to a reception. The commission plans to circulate slides and photos of the graduates to parents and guardians following the ceremony.

The program emphasized hands‑on learning—mock trials, a Capitol visit, community service and direct engagement with county officials—that staff and students said translates classroom learning into civic experience.