Calling all high school students who love history

You’re invited to become Hamilton County Bicentennial Ambassadors

Submitted by Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission

High school sophomores and juniors interested in history and community can apply to serve as Hamilton County Bicentennial Ambassadors through a new program sponsored by the 2023 Hamilton County Bicentennial Committee.

Student ambassadors will serve as a bridge from the past to the future through conversation and public engagement from January through December 2023.

This unique opportunity is sponsored by Hamilton County Commissioners Christine Altman, Steve Dillinger and Mark Heirbrandt and is an official program of the Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission.

Its purpose is to engage high school students by using the past 200 years to inform the future. Curriculum support is provided by the Hamilton County Leadership Academy.

Applicants must be:

  • A high school student in good standing at a Hamilton County public or private high school with at least a 3.0 grade-point average.
  • A sophomore or junior in 2022, and planning to attend the same high school in spring and fall 2023 (graduating classes of 2024 and 2025).
  • Be genuinely interested in history, in how communities function, and in discussing how the past can inform the future. This is a “thinking” program, although there is no homework.
  • Be willing to attend one introductory session, five dialog sessions with local leaders on the Bicentennial’s themes (Education, Historic Preservation, Parks/Environment, Diversity/Inclusion, Arts), opening ceremonies (Jan. 22, 2023) and closing ceremonies (Dec. 3, 2023) of the commemorative year, and a few other events to be determined throughout the year.
  • Have transportation to and from all events. Logo apparel will be provided.
  • There is no cost to participate in the program thanks to the generosity of the county’s commissioners, but parents must sign a waiver for participation.

Selection criteria for Hamilton County Bicentennial Ambassadors, in addition to the requirements above, include a demonstrated desire to learn and connect to your community.

To apply online for consideration, click here.

Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30, 2022. Finalists will be invited to a Zoom interview process, and a decision will be made in late December 2022.

About the Hamilton County Bicentennial
The Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission was established by the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners as the official oversight agency for the upcoming 200th anniversary of the county in 2023. It will do so in partnership with the Hamilton County Historical Society and Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. Duke Energy, Hamilton County, the Hamilton East Public Library and Hamilton County Tourism are all lead sponsors of the Bicentennial activities. For more information, visit HamCoTurns200.com or follow HamCoTurns200 on Facebook and Instagram.