Our youth of today is our future tomorrow. Students in any one of the four school districts in our area will grow to become community leaders, business owners, teachers and politicians. Sometimes it’s hard to fathom when looking at them, especially at a young age, that one day they will be the ones making plans that will move our communities forward.

The eighth-grade class at Thomas Jefferson Middle School is not waiting until they grow up to start making plans and changes for their community. During the Port Arthur City Council meeting this past Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 10:30 a.m. students from TJMS shared three different Power Point presentations with city council members on important topics that affect their young lives.

Having done research on each topic, the students presented on in three different groups, their concerns about these issues: the need for safer parks throughout the city, the impact of domestic violence, and childhood obesity rates in the state of Texas as compared to other states.

To say the presentation by these students was impressive really doesn’t do them justice. It was evident to all on council and viewing from the audience that much time and preparation went into each and every word spoken. They were detailed on the specifics, made an impact, but didn’t go too long. They nailed it!

Think back to when we were in the eighth grade, could we have done that? Why didn’t we do that? The teachers of these students should also be commended for teaching them and giving them actual life lessons that will benefit each of them as they prepare for the future.

What we saw at the Port Arthur City Council meeting last Tuesday was the future of our community — students who see what is happening and want to see it changed, students who understand that change don’t come simply by wanting it to, but by acting upon that need. Congratulations eighth-grade class of Thomas Jefferson Middle School! You are truly our future Rock Stars!

Rich Macke is publisher of The Port Arthur News. Contact him at rich.macke@panews.com