By Leah Schwarting

NATCHEZ — While working for the county, Callie Shermer, 17, learned an important lesson.

“Court is nothing like TV,” Shermer said. “At all.”

Shermer is one of 14 summer youth workers who signed up to work for the Adams County administrative offices and Adams County Sheriff’s Office in Natchez this summer.

Angela Hutchins, county supervisor for District 3, began the program after her daughter, Anastasia, 23, came home from college and said she was having a hard time finding a summer job.

Hutchins said she realized if her daughter was having trouble, other young adults were having trouble, too. As a result, Hutchins asked for funding to hire summer youth workers.

Her request was approved and the program opened up to high school and college students.

“It gives them a chance to make up their mind of what they want to do,” Hutchins said.

The program for college students began on May 18 and finishes on July 24. High school students began on June 1 and end on Aug. 10.

Although Hutchins could not hire her own daughter, she was able to hire 14 workers.

“At least I can help someone else,” Hutchins said.

Workers signed up to work 10 weeks at $7.25 an hour. Shermer said it gave her a new appreciation for all the work her parents do, and it taught her a few lessons.

“It helps you learn to manage your money,” Shermer said.

Shermer, like the other students, works from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. She helps with files, occasionally attends court and helps with tasks like inventory.

“It makes you appreciate your little 15 minute breaks,” Shermer said.

Two other workers — Thaddus Mayberry, 19, and Terrence Bailey, 20 — work at the E-911 emergency management office. The two went to the location of a gas leak their first day.

“We experienced everything, from the heat to the smell,” Mayberry said.

It might sound like a lot of hard work, but Bailey said he’s looking forward to putting his job on his resume. Mayberry has similar feelings.

“We’re actually getting a lot of what it’s going to be when we graduate and get that diploma,” Mayberry said.

Now that the summer is drawing to a close, there’s still a little time for Shermer to reflect on her experiences.

“I’m leaving knowing that I’m thankful for the opportunity,” Shermer said.

Other young adults participating in the summer youth work program are Morgan Ray, Faith Davis, Avery Jackson, Austin Heard, Jeremy Myles, Isaiah McNeal, Kristin Gatlin, Jaylin Gibson, Julia Devening, Nyesha Chatman and Valencia Bonds.

Shermer is the daughter of Tanya Tate and Aaron Shermer.

Mayberry is the son of Carmen Green and grandson of Betty Fleming.

Bailey is the son of Teri Bailey and Calvin Scott.