By Sarah Cook

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Greg Terrels, 18, had no idea what a Ditch Witch was before this summer.

However, Terrels was using the machine — meant to aid in ditch digging— like a pro Tuesday.

“I’ve learned how to use a bunch of different tools this summer,” he said.

Terrels is one of five area youth participating in the city’s Urban Youth Corps program, funded by the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

The program annually hires youth ages 18 through 25 to work on community development projects.

Tuesday, participants were installing new electrical lines at Memorial Park.

“This is the largest project of the summer,” said Natchez Public Works Supervisor Justin Dollar, who oversees the program.

Since May 25, youth have been working on several community projects throughout the city.

“We treat this program like a full time job,” Dollar said. “The main goal is for these kids to learn life skills.”

After finishing electrical installation, Dollar said youth are going to paint all benches at Memorial Park, and repave its three entryways.

“To be taught how to work with your hands — that’s important,” Dollar said.

And at a $7.25 per hour pay rate, participant Ryan McDonald, 18, said the benefits are more than monetary.

“They’re teaching us about stuff we’ve never heard of before,” McDonald said. “I learn something new every day.”

One of the biggest lessons McDonald said he has learned through the program is the value of hard work.

“Nothing comes easy,” said McDonald, who recently graduated from Natchez High School and plans to attend Jones County Junior College in the fall where he will study computer engineering.

“You have to work for it.”

Natchez Maintenance Supervisor Forrest Flinn, who was helping train participants at Memorial Park Tuesday, said he’s been impressed with the hard work and dedication of the group.

“This is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of overseeing one of their projects,” Flinn said. “They’re such super guys — eager to learn and very well-behaved.”

And while the majority of their work is hands-on labor, Dollar said the program also exposes youth to the interworking of various city entities.

Each Thursday, Dollar takes participants to local businesses — like Natchez Home Bank and Carby & Carby Law Firm — so they can learn from those who have succeeded in their career field.

“It may not be the occupation they choose,” Dollar said. “But it’s important for them to have that exposure, and know how those businesses work.”

Terrels admitted he probably won’t be a banker or a lawyer, but he feels fortunate to know those skills — thanks to the Urban Youth Corps program.

“This is preparing me for adulthood,” Terrels said. “These are basic life skills.”

Terrels plans to attend Alcorn State University in the fall, where he will study computer engineering.

Other program participants include Steven Bindon, Kejuan Jones and Autry Clayton.