The cities of Riceboro and Hinesville and Liberty County came together for a celebration of the end of their respective summer youth employment programs, congratulating nearly 100 teenagers.

Hinesville had 37 students in its program, and the county placed 29 students. Riceboro, which started the program several years ago, had 28. Teens were placed in government departments and with local businesses.

Dr. Chante Baker Martin, who is also a member of the Liberty County Board of Education, urged the students to take what they learned from their five weeks on the job to heart.

“Leadership is about being a good example. It’s about getting others to follow you,” she said.

Martin also told the students that while other teens may be sleeping in or on their phones or playing video games, they went to and completed a job. “You chose to get up and you chose to show up,” she said.

Martin also implored the teens to “stay ready.”

“Stay ready to lead, stay ready to listen and stay ready to learn,” she said. “Because if you do, the career of your dreams will come true.”