By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Applications are being taken for the third edition of the Mayor’s Youth Council in Decatur. They are due next Friday, Sept. 6.
Applications may be obtained at the guidance office at Bellmont High School.
The youth council is open to all Bellmont High students, freshman through seniors.
An introductory meeting with some students was recently held by Mayor Dan Rickord, who talked about why he started the program and why it is important to hear from the youth of the community.
Mayor Rickord launched the council for the 2022-23 school year, saying,“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 group meets monthly at Bellmont. Members are required to attend two city council meetings and one parks or economic development meeting.
They also participate in non-school projects, such as the city’s Beautification Program, which was launched by the 2023-24 youth council.
“From discussions during meetings, the youth’s opinions and thoughts have made an impact with different park upgrades and traffic safety,” said Jamie Gephart, the city’s community coordinator who works closely with the youth council.
