Written July 1, 2016
To our community, the three boys who vandalized Trinity and the Athens-Limestone Community Association:
Earlier this week three boys did more than damage the Pincham-Lincoln Center by breaking windows and spraying fire extinguishers. They shattered feelings of accomplishment held by volunteers who worked to create that facility. They drew the ire of our community, raising questions about the disrespect of youth, boredom, and parental control.
As Youth Commissioners, it impacted us as you can see from the words of Youth Commissioner Raven Warner: "As a teen very close to their age, I am ashamed to be a part of a generation that consists of young people with such a lack of morals because not only does it affect them, it affects me, along with other teens, because it can cause others to put the ones for the good into the same category with the ones who choose to do evil. Yes, children and teens make mistakes sometimes, but these children were at the age where they should know vandalism, to this extent, is a criminal act with major consequences and should not be taken lightly. Honestly, after hearing about this, all I want to know is why. Why would these young people stoop so low and disgrace their community, family, and friends like they have? Why would they deface property on such a historic site as the Pincham-Lincoln Center where Trinity High School was located years ago?"
To our community we say that although we wonder why, we choose to not speculate on their reasons for the vandalism. We choose to lead by example, and we ask you to do the same by involving youth in planning, decisions, and projects that benefit the City of Athens.
Through our involvement with the Athens Mayor's Youth Commission, we have learned not only government's role, but our role as citizens. We have administered Dekko Foundation funding to worthwhile community projects. We have joined the Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park Committee, Athens Police Department and Athens Fire and Rescue to distribute bicycles and gifts to children at Christmas. We have held a mock City Council meeting to learn that process.
Please do not judge the youth of Athens on the actions of three boys. We as youth are invested in this city. Our Youth Commission mentors are invested in us. As citizens of Athens, what can you do to show your investment in your community and its youth?
To the three boys, we offer these words from Youth Commissioner Molly Kirkpatrick: "Giving back is worth so much more than rebellion or pulling some prank just for the fun of it. To be able to really make someone's day by just participating in community events or helping out with a service project is more rewarding than anything else you do as a teenager. No rule breaking or rebellion could ever top being able to make people so happy by just giving them your time and effort."
To the Athens-Limestone Community Association, we offer more than words of sympathy and encouragement. Through the Athens Mayor's Youth Commission some of us joined Athens Rotary volunteers to help with landscaping at your facility. We visited the Trinity/Fort Henderson site and walked the 1930s era bridge used by Trinity students to cross the steam. We learned from author Charlotte Fulton how the site tells the story of slave to soldier to student. We learned how Trinity graduates, association volunteers, and the late Councilman Jimmy Gill did more than dream about reclaiming the deteriorating site. They acted. Through persistence, fundraising and community outreach, they created a landmark that honors Trinity's legacy and improves the city.
Your example teaches us we too must act. The Youth Commission has $500 left from Dekko funding for its expenses. We agree with Youth Commissioner Kennedi Brown who said, "If we can, we should give money to help with damages."
We cannot replace the more than $18,000 in damages done by three youth from our community. The members of our Youth Commission can donate to you $250 toward your deductible and rental losses. We can demonstrate our faith in your mission, our commitment to our community and our challenge to other youth to be a positive force in Athens.
As Youth Commissioner Raven Warner further stated, "Hopefully this incident was a lesson learned to the three boys arrested for first-degree criminal mischief, and the Pincham-Lincoln Center will be restored, creating a stronger and more unified community."
Your association exemplifies your motto "Arise and Build."
You will Arise and Build, and we will stand with you.