By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
(In photo are, from left, Rickord, Emma Key, Victoria Hamrick, Lillian Garner, Andrea Curtis, Brianna Converset and Gephart.)
Applications will soon be accepted for the Mayor’s Youth Council at Bellmont High School for the 2023-24 school year.
The Mayor’s Youth Council was an idea initiated by Decatur Mayor Dan Rickord and got going in the 2022-23 school year. “(The first year) was a great year of discussion, learning and planning,” said Community Coordinator Jamie Gephart, who works closely with the youth group.
All members of the initial youth council have been awarded patches (photo) for letter jackets, etc.. Five available members of the council received their patches and were recognized at a Thursday night concert on the Madison St. Plaza in late July.
The students met twice a month and were required to attend two city council meetings and one meeting each of the Adams County Economic Development board and the city-county park board. They also participated in some non-school projects.
“We’re trying to listen to our young people. We want to keep them here. If they don’t find it here, they will go someplace else,” the mayor said at a city council meeting.
When applications are opened, the following will be the criteria used: a) the council will be composed of a diverse group of students who each bring an important voice to the table; b) applications are open to students who either reside in the City of Decatur or who attend school located in the City of Decatur; c) students must be active in their community and be dedicated to active participation in the council.
Those interested must complete an application and also a student and parent commitment agreement, along with a letter to the selection committee.
All required application materials will need to be dropped off at Bellmont High School’s counselor’s office or emailed to jgephart@decaturin.org.
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