Title
To recognize the remarkable career and civic contributions of Suzanne Helmick, Executive Director of Kids Voting Central Ohio.
Body
WHEREAS, in 2000 Suzanne accepted the position of Executive Director of Kids Voting Central Ohio, managing all aspects of its education, election and youth-oriented programs as well as community outreach and fundraising; and
WHEREAS, Kids Voting prepares students to become active adults in their communities by learning about voting, researching candidates and ballot issues, and talking with family members and peers. Under Suzanne's leadership, over 210,000 student votes have been cast through Kids Voting; and
WHEREAS, at the core of Suzanne's countless achievements was her effort to work with students from the Columbus Public Schools and local legislators to amend Ohio law to allow 17 year olds to work as election judges. Since then, more than 3,000 high school seniors in Franklin County have participated in the official election process, obtaining an unforgettable lesson of democracy in action; and
WHEREAS, during Suzanne's tenure, Kids Voting has created opportunities for more than 1,000 students to take part in Youth Summits that bring them into direct contact with elected officials and helps them learn about the legislative process, youth engagement and leadership, and political involvement; and
WHEREAS, Suzanne's leadership has made Kids Voting Central Ohio a model for Kids Voting programs around the country; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize the leadership and accomplishments of Suzanne Helmick and does extend our thanks to her on the occasion of her retirement from Kids Voting Central Ohio.