Minutes 04-27-23 MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION AND YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING, HELD ON APRIL 27, 2023, AT 6 P.M.
AT CITY HALL COMMISSION CHAMBERS
100 E. OCEAN AVENUE, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
PRESENT:
Dr. Valerie ValCourt, Chair, (Arrived 6:07 P.M.) Franky Lazo, Assistant Director
Lori Wilkinson, Vice Chair Justin Johnson, Marketing & Outreach Manager
Francoise Calixte-Dieuvil
Chevette Gadson
Pedro Macedo
Jessica Wilkinson, Alternate
Nicholas Giacalone (Arrived 6:25 P.M.)
ABSENT:
Frando Patterson
Nicole Prado
Katie Houeweart
I. Call to Order
Vice Chair Wilkinson called the meeting to order at 6:06 P.M.
II. Pledge of Allegiance
The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
III. Roll Call
Catherine Cherry, the Minutes Specialist, called the roll. A quorum was present.
IV. Approval of Agenda —April 27, 2023
V. Approval of Minutes — February 23, 2023
VI. Announcements/Presentations/Correspondence
Justin Johnson, Marketing and Outreach Manager, stated that on Saturday, Recreation
and Parks will have a Mother's Day Luncheon at Intracoastal Park; registration is still
open and so far, and 32 people have registered.
Meeting Minutes
Education and Youth Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida April 27, 2023
He said that May 20th is a Spending for Safety Event at 9 A.M. at the Ezell Hester Center.
He noted that it is a free event that is targeted to teach children the rules of the road when
bike riding.
Chair Valcourt inquired about the Youth Symposium.
Mr. Johnson responded that it was successful, and that 35 youth attended. He
commented that they had some members of the Florida Panthers join them in person,
and some presentations via Zoom. He said that there were a variety of presentations on
various topics and that the representatives from the Florida Panthers spoke about the
importance of teamwork. He stated that some engineers, who were present, spoke about
their jobs and what they enjoy about it, and that a few City officials stopped by to speak
about public service. He commented that it was good to give options about choices
available to students, post high school graduation. He explained that to advertise the
event, they used a digital campaign through the marquees at the Hester and Sims Centers
and throughout the City, as well as printed postcards delivered to local schools, social
media and pushes made to the Boynton Bulldogs so they could participate. He also
stated that they partnered with the Boys and Girls Club and the majority of the attendees
were from there. He said they had interactive activities, games, pool time, and information
to make it a fun day, because the students were off from school for Good Friday.
VII. Public Audience
None.
VIII. New Business
A. Virtual Meetings (Upcoming Schedule & Past Minutes)
Chair Valcourt stated that the subcommittee did not meet yesterday, and the last few
times, they did not have a quorum.
Mr. Lazo commented that they had no April minutes because the meetings were not
advertised, but they need the March meeting minutes.
After discussion it was decided that the subcommittee will meet on Thursdays on May 4th
11th and the 18th and that Mr. Lazo will send out reminders the day before and the hour
before the actual meeting.
IX. Old Business
A. Fundraising Proposals & Outreach
Vice Chair Wilkinson said that Board Members Houseweart, and Gadson stated they
would get involved with SunFest.
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Meeting Minutes
Education and Youth Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida April 27, 2023
Ms. Caliexte-Dieuvil volunteered to volunteer at SunFest and Mr. Frando informed Vice
Chair Wilkinson he is trying to recruit volunteers.
Mr. Macedo stated that he will sign up today.
Vice Chair Wilkinson noted that the only requirement is volunteers have to be 21 or older
and that a ticket is $90, but that volunteers are free. She reviewed the different volunteer
tasks and shifts.
(Nicholas Giacalone arrived 6:25 P.M.)
Mr. Lazo introduced new member Nicholas Giacalone.
Mr. Giacalone introduced himself and stated that he applied to be on the Board last month
and that he was excited to serve. He said that he has lived and attended school in
Boynton his entire life and he attends college in Boca.
The members welcomed Mr. Giacalone and invited him and his friends to volunteer at
SunFest.
B. Goals and Objectives — Follow up
C. Letter for Schools — Follow up
Chair Valcourt stated that she will look at the letters sent by Ms. Prado so they can mail
them out.
D. Youth Summit Event — Updates
Chair Valcourt stated that they have an important event coming up and they have
concluded that they will hold a scaled down Youth Summit this year to make the event
doable, and an expanded Summit next year.
Chair Valcourt reviewed the scaled down agenda of the Summit, which included break-
out sessions, an opening event, maybe a motivation and/or a keynote speaker and then
have give-aways. She said that the event was planned to be from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. on
July 29th, and the 30 minutes between breakout sessions two and three will be used to
eat and they planned to have a vendor serve food in the Cultural Center.
Mr. Lazo advised that the vendor will need to have insurance.
Chair Valcourt explained what the sessions will be about, how long the presentations
should be. She commented that she thought 35 participants was small and suggested
that there be a youth aspect about mental health. She said that she will reach out to
mental health or guidance counselors to participate. She suggested the biggest
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Meeting Minutes
Education and Youth Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida April 27, 2023
connections to make will be with the schools, the student governments and guidance
counsellors and that they should tell the students about it now.
Jessica Wilkinson suggested making an account for the event and requesting the City
forward it. It was noted that there is one month of school left.
Mr. Lazo stated that the City will advertise what they have on social media and that
Mr. Johnson stated that he posts activities on Eventbrite and it can be set up.
Chair Valcourt said that she was hoping for 100 to 150 participants and they should plan
for elected officials to speak. It was suggested having the coach from FAU or one of the
basketball players, tennis star Coco Gauff, Lamar Jackson, or some other celebrity attend
to help boost attendance. She noted that they will need volunteers.
E. Bob Borovy Student Citizen of the Year Award
Mr. Lazo advised that Sherri Claude and he put together a panel to judge the entries. He
stated that there were seven submissions and of them, four were qualified. He said that
a decision will be made by early next week and they will notify the winner and make the
presentation at the June 6t" City Commission meeting. The winner will receive a plaque
and the Board can speak about the award.
After discussion, they noted the award presentation can be made on May 16th.
X. Future Meeting Dates: May 25, 2023
XI. Adjournment
Motion
There being no further business, Vice Chair Wilkinson moved to adjourn. Ms. Caliexte-
Dievil seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 P.M.
Catherine Cherry
Minutes Specialist
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