A Hopkins County teen has been appointed to a state government advisory board, thanks to his participation within a local nonprofit.
Jontae Minor, 17, of Madisonville was recently appointed to the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board by Gov. Matt Bevin. The board, which is comprised of both adults and youths, is tasked to create ideas for programs and policies that prevent juvenile crime and delinquency.
Minor, of Hopkins County Central High School, is a six-year participant in the Light of Chance Breathe Youth Arts Program in Madisonville. He is also the only high school student to be appointed to a four-year term.
“He really likes challenges,” said Light of Chance Executive Director Eric Logan. “He has an outgoing personality and is really good in school.
“He has grown here, even as an artist,” Logan continued. “Whenever he writes music, he is really professional. He is really organized and I think some of the skills he has as a young man now definitely are transferable to insights he can offer to the state. He can have such an impact on the youth of Kentucky.”
Minor started attending the free after-school program at the age of 11 so he could hone his taste for music. Now, he mentors younger children within Light of Chance and hopes to become a recording artist some day.
During his time with the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, Minor will offer his input into similar programs and work to have more agencies like Light of Chance implemented across the state.
“I will get to voice my opinion on things I feel should be put in place to keep kids out of trouble,” Minor said. “If it weren’t for this program right here, there is no telling what I would be doing right now.”
Light of Chance offers free arts instruction in the areas of music, art, dance and song. Minor was selected as a potential for the advisory board after he was observed on-site by a juvenile justice specialist. He was officially appointed by the governor eight weeks ago following a lengthy vetting process.
“This is a pretty big deal, a lot of impact can come from this,” said Glenda Wright, chair of the Subcommittee of Kentucky Youth. “After getting to know Jontae, I am really excited he is going to be on our crew. We are working on a three-year strategic plan, and we are trying to create a new, innovative program. Jontae is going to be a big part of that, and hopefully you are going to be hearing a lot more about us.”
Written by Laura Harvey, Lead Reporter
The Messenger