News Summary
Recently, Jacksonville celebrated the induction of 17 new members into the Duval County chapter of Top Teens of America (TTA) during a ceremony at First Timothy Baptist Church. Dignitaries and families gathered to support the enthusiastic teens, who are now committed to community service and leadership development. The TTA organization, established to address youth issues, has expanded significantly since its inception. With over 250 chapters nationally and internationally, the new Duval County chapter aims to empower its members to make a positive impact in their communities.
Jacksonville recently celebrated the induction of 17 teenagers into the newly established Duval County chapter of Top Teens of America (TTA). The formal induction ceremony took place at the banquet hall of First Timothy Baptist Church, with various dignitaries and families present to support the new members.
The induction event was honored by members of the Top Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated® (TLOD) Duval County Chapter, alongside national officers of TTA and family members of the inductees. The evening was marked not only by the celebration of the new members but also by a commitment to empowering youthful engagement in community service.
The TTA organization was originally formed through TLOD, which was established in 1964 to confront moral and social issues affecting youth in communities. The organization officially adopted the name “Top Teens of America” in 1968, and since then, it has expanded significantly. In 1969, TLOD chapters were given the responsibility to launch teen chapters, giving rise to what is now a nationwide organization.
Today, TTA has grown to encompass over 250 chapters across the United States, Africa, Canada, and the Caribbean, boasting a membership exceeding 5,000 middle and high school teens. The first induction in Jacksonville marks a significant milestone, adding 17 new members to this vibrant network of young individuals committed to community service and social responsibility.
The induction ceremony was facilitated by prominent figures from the national TTA leadership, including the National TTA Director, the National TTA Assistant Director, the Teen National Chaplain, the Sergeant-at-Arms, and the Parliamentarian. These leaders emphasized the importance of community engagement and the opportunities TTA offers for personal growth and societal contributions.
As a part of their charter, the new members of the Duval County chapter are expected to engage in various community service initiatives and form partnerships with the local TLOD chapter, reflecting the organization’s mission to develop leadership skills and foster a spirit of service among teenagers.
The newly inducted members are as follows:
- Sitting (left to right): Melvin Lee, Jackson Sanders, Kevin Stanley, Lady Belinda Brown (National TTA Assistant Director), Lady Regina Morris (Duval chapter TTA Advisor), Lauryn Jefferson, Lady Nikki Torian (Duval chapter President), Lady Crystal Pittman (National TTA Director), Isabella Thaxton, Ava Thaxton, Aidan Anderson.
- Second row: Victoria Mena, Savannah Thaxton, Jordan Sanders, Robert Sosa, Taige Leathers, Ethan Roary, Laila Troy, Angel Clark, Drice Joseph, Dylan Watkins.
- Third row: Jadan Swindle (National TTA Sergeant-At-Arms), Taylor Mack (National Parliamentarian), Ethan Dean (National TTA Chaplain).
As the Duval County chapter of TTA takes its first steps, it holds the promise of fostering leadership and community involvement among its members, aiming to make a positive impact in Jacksonville and beyond.
For those interested in learning more about Top Teens of America and its objectives, further details can be found on their official website.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Free Press: Top Teens of America Chapter Established in JAX
- News 4 JAX: Duval County Schools Consider Consolidating Mayport Elementary
- Jacksonville Free Press: Top Ladies of Distinction Charters New Chapter in JAX
- ABC News: Florida Teen Arrested for Voter Intimidation
- WFLA: Florida Teen Arrested for Waving Machete at Polling Site
- Wikipedia: Community Service
- Google Search: Top Teens of America
- Google Scholar: Leadership and Youth Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volunteerism
- Google News: Duval County Schools
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
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