KNOXVILLE – A Knox County program designed to get high school students interested, educated and aware of local government recently won a national award from one of the most prestigious county government associations.
The Knox County Commission’s Junior Commission Youth Civics Education Program has received a 2025 National Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The NACo awards program recognizes innovative county government initiatives in 18 categories covering a wide spectrum of county responsibilities. The Junior Commission program was honorably selected under the Civics Education category. NACo represents the interests of America’s counties and local governments by advocating for county priorities and providing resources and education to local elected leaders. With a membership of thousands of county elected and professional officials, NACo unites leaders from across the country to shape national policies, share best practices and strengthen counties for a stronger America.
“Knox County Commissioners believe that community engagement and civic education are vitally important to a healthy republic and functioning democracy,” said Junior Commissioner founder and program co-chair Commissioner Larsen Jay (At-Large, Seat 10), “And it’s a proud moment when Knox County helps lead the way in local government civics education because our youth are more engaged and informed citizens at a much younger age.”
Since 2022, the Junior Commission Youth Civics Education Program has been open to Knox County high school juniors and seniors enrolled in a full-time public, private or accredited home schools. Participants learn the functions of their local government and further develop healthy citizenry habits, while promoting the importance of community engagement and public service.
“Already, we’ve seen these bright, young high school students elevate the role of public service from the knowledge, engagement, and dedication they experienced though the program,” added Jay, “I have no doubt that one day, one of our Junior Commissioners will decide to run for office and serve their community.”
Program co-chair, Commissioner Courtney Durrett (District 2) stated, “I am very excited that our Junior Commissioner program is being recognized on a national stage. This award is an incredible honor and validates the hard work of our students, the support of our community, and the importance of investing in civic education at the local level.”
Each of the 11 Knox County Commissioners chooses one student from the submitted applications each fall. Junior Commissioners serve alongside their Knox County Commissioners and participate in unique programming over a three-month period beginning in January, including attending an orientation session, attending work sessions, commission meetings, and zoning meetings, and go on experiential field trips. The students also join their elected representatives at a community public event and learn hands-on governing in a mock session where they serve as the official commissioners of the Junior Commission.
