KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Five high school seniors learned the basics of local government Monday at the first Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council meeting.
The students learned about Florida’s Sunshine …
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KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Five high school seniors learned the basics of local government Monday at the first Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council meeting.
The students learned about Florida’s Sunshine Law and staff duties, received a copy of Robert’s Rules of Order and were guided on how to hold an effective meeting.
Youth advisory councils, which exist in several cities statewide, are aimed at educating students about how government works and gives them a platform to talk about community issues. The meeting was a trial run for the advisory council, but topics for the future were discussed, such as curbing underage drinking and picking up trash.
Mayor Karen Lake came to council members with the idea in September and said the youth advisory council was a worthwhile addition. She said it’s important to trust youth.
“It’s a good group,” Lake said. “I think youth can make good decisions and that’s what I see this group growing into.”
All five seniors, who will meet once a month, attend Sante Fe College’s Dual-Enrollment Program where Lake works as an advisor. Brylee Hawkins said she wants to major in neuroscience at the University of Florida. The decision to join the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council was easy for her.
“I love government and things like that,” Hawkins said. “When [Lake] asked me to do it, I said ‘Oh my gosh, yeah.’ I like leading.”
It’s still early, but Wyatt Thomas is eyeing law school and Karsyn Starling wants to be a nurse practitioner. They said serving on the youth advisory council was a chance to be involved and assist the city.
“It’s just looking to benefit the community,” Thomas said.
“[Lake] pulled us aside and asked if we wanted to be a part of it,” Starling said. “We’ll get more involved as it goes on.”
Lake said the meeting was a good start and she was excited to watch the initiative grow.
“I really feel that now that they get the framework and what we’re trying to do, they will have a greater understanding in the second and the third meetings,” Lake said. “They will get used to the idea that collectively they’re going to be making decisions for themselves.”