05/14/2026
Upward Bound Students Host Town Hall with Local Officials
On Tuesday, May 12th, Upward Bound TRIO students participated in a town hall style conversation with local officials in the Media Room at Scotland High School. The event was sponsored by Scotland County 4 H and the Scotland GEO Unit of the League of Women Voters of Moore County and served as the capstone to a multi session civic engagement workshop series.
Throughout the spring workshops, students explored public policy, policy mapping, advocacy versus activism, the importance of voting, and the roles and responsibilities of local government. They also worked in teams to research and present on a public policy issue of their choice, with presentations evaluated by an independent panel.
The town hall connected these lessons to real world civic participation. After opening remarks from a student representative, participants posed thoughtful questions to invited officials about issues affecting youth and the broader community.
Officials in attendance included:
β’ Honorable Rick Singletary, Chair, Scotland County Board of Education
β’ Honorable Tim Ivey, Commissioner, Scotland County Board of Commissioners
β’ Honorable Ed OβNeal, Vice Chair, Scotland County Board of Commissioners
β’ Ms. April Snead, County Manager
β’ Honorable Jim Willis, Mayor of Laurinburg
β’ Honorable Charles Nichols, City Manager
The United Way of Scotland County and the Laurinburg Junior Service League were recognized for their generous support. Following the question and answer session, students and officials continued their conversations informally over refreshments. The youth, also known as the βNext Gen Changemakers,β received swag bags filled with a t-shirt, water bottle, notebook, pen, cup, and civic engagement resources to encourage and support their continued involvement in community leadership and civic responsibility.
We would like to extend a special thanks to Angela D. Galloway, Extension Agent of 4-H Youth Development, Martha Roblee, Scotland County GEO Unit Liaison Director with League of Women Voters of Moore County, the Upward Bound TRIO team- Williams, Director, Sarah Havener, Academic Advisor, Eshonda Alford, Administrative Assistant, and the numerous volunteers who assisted in making this program a success.
For more information regarding Scotland County 4-H, visit Scotland.ces.ncsu.edu or League of Women Voters, visit www.lwv.org.