GCAPS to Hold First Graduation Since Start of Pandemic

Staff Report

Wednesday, May 18th, 2022

On Thursday, May 19 at 4:00 p.m. Macon-Bibb's Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS) is holding its 2022 graduation at the Robert Train Building (715 Oglethorpe Street).

This year, eighteen students from around the County participated in GCAPS. They will each be presented with a diploma to honor their completion of the immersive program that teaches young people about government operations in our community and state.

"Although, the pandemic curtailed some activities, the students enjoyed a full experience and opportunity to learn about the inside operations of local government,” says Community Affairs Executive Director and GCAPS Coordinator Dr. Henry Ficklin. “This was a great group of students to restart the program after it was shut down for during COVID-19. I am very pleased with each participant and thank their parents and school for their involvement.”

Students were given overview of several departments within Macon-Bibb including the Mayor's Office and the Commission with overviews from Clerk of County Commission, Board of Elections, Human Resources, Parks and Recreation, Parks and Beautification, Finance Department, Engineering Department, Department of Code Enforcement, E911 Communication Center, Facilities Management, Office of Small Business, and Communications Department. Students also took trips to the New Hotel 45, Middle Georgia Regional Airport, Emergency Management Agency, Fire Department, Sheriff's Office and Law Enforcement Center, Visit Macon, Water Authority Plant, and the Georgia State Capitol.