Riverwalk Park Signage Unveiling to Showcase Student Project on June 3
Columbia, TN (May 12, 2025) – The City of Columbia is proud to announce the graduation of the 2024–25 Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC), a group of outstanding high school students who have spent the past year actively engaging in local government and community initiatives.
This year’s CMYC class has exemplified what it means to be young civic leaders. Throughout the school year, council members attended city meetings, met with department heads, and participated in meaningful discussions about Columbia’s future. Their leadership has helped strengthen the connection between young residents and their city government while laying the groundwork for a more engaged and informed generation of Columbians. One of the most notable accomplishments of this year’s cohort was their work on the Riverwalk Park Sign Replacement Project. Over the course of several planning and research sessions, students collaborated in teams to gather historical, environmental, and cultural information that will be featured on nine new educational signs. These signs are replacing the original signage that was first installed along Riverwalk Park when it was built several years ago. The updated signs will highlight the Duck River’s rich history, native wildlife, and ongoing conservation efforts.
The city invites the community to attend the official unveiling of the first three of the nine new signs on Tuesday, June 3, at 4:00 PM at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion in Riverwalk Park. The event will celebrate the council’s hard work and the impact of youth involvement in shaping our city.
Mayor Chaz Molder offered his congratulations, stating: “This year’s Mayor’s Youth Council set a high bar. The Council not only observed how local government works—the Mayor’s Youth Council actively participated in it. Their work on the Riverwalk Park Sign Replacement Project will have a lasting impact on Columbia, and their passion for public service gives me hope for the future here at home and beyond. Columbia is a growing city, and programs like the Mayor’s Youth Council ensure that our next generation of leaders are ready to meet the moment. Congratulations to each member of the Mayor’s Youth Council. You made your community a better place.”
The 2024–25 Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council graduates include:
Allen Basurto, Brylie Blade, Alexa Bowins, Zacharias Burgess, Sam Fuller, Amiya Gardenhire, Brooke Gibbs, Lollie Jo Greene, Mary Claire Griffith, Catherine Henson, Ariana Johnson, Zareena Jones, Madie King, Riley Krimmel, Carter Lawrence, Ke’Veontae Martin, Tre’Veontae Martin, Presly Miller, Melanie Recalde, Tyler Sparks, Addison Thomas, and Caleb Wallbrech.
The City of Columbia extends its appreciation to these students for their dedication and service. Their contributions will continue to benefit the community long after graduation. For more information about the Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council please visit ColumbiaTN.gov.
ABOUT COLUMBIA, TN
The City of Columbia is the county seat of Maury County, located 45 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee. Columbia is experiencing a renaissance of new industry, residential development, a bustling historic downtown square, and emerging arts district while attracting companies, residents, and visitors looking for affordability, quality of life, and a Main Street experience, all in a convenient location. Columbia is a Southern Living ‘Top 10 Best Small Town’ and the ancestral home of the 11th U.S. President James K. Polk.
