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ROCKVILLE, Md., April 25, 2023—Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles has launched a new Youth Advisory Council that focuses on engaging youth in the County government processes. The Youth Advisory Council, which provides recommendations to Councilmember Sayles, consists of 16 Montgomery County Public Schools System students in grades 8 through 12 and includes representation from all seven Council districts.
On March 6, Councilmember Sayles held an inaugural meeting for the Youth Advisory Council to kick off an exciting season of dialogue and collaboration to address the unique challenges and opportunities before Montgomery County. Students have met four times and will meet four more times until June, guided by the tenets of Councilmember Sayles' S.M.A.R.T. agenda.
"I'm very excited that we've been able to bring together a talented, committed group of young residents who bring fresh and invigorating perspectives to the work of the Council," said Councilmember Sayles. "They will soon inherit the future and thus belong here as partners in our work. I look forward to uplifting their voices as we tackle capital improvement and operating budgets and address the inequities in our communities. I hope to continue this innovative program for years to come."
The 16 Sayles Youth Advisory Council (S.Y.A.C.) members emerged after a competitive application review process. They will contribute to Councilmember Sayles' policy work by offering input, brainstorming ideas, and providing solutions for issues before the full Council, including budget proposals, legislation, community programs, health and safety initiatives, and more.
"I'm glad to be a part of this group because it means meeting a diverse range of students from all across the County and learning about their individual experiences and views on policy. I think we're all looking forward to working with Councilmember Sayles, especially on education and health issues as a large part of her agenda," said Rishi Nixon, a 10th grader at MCPS-registered homeschool and Montgomery College.
"This [Sayles Youth Advisory] Council has provided a way for me to work and feel seen as we work toward the changes needing to be addressed in the county," said Jena Pilch, a 9th grader at Walt Whitman High School.
"Being a part of Councilmember Sayles' Youth Advisory Council is an amazing experience, and I have been really enjoying our meetings. It's so great to be able to speak with other passionate student advocates about different issues and the councilmember's S.M.A.R.T. agenda," said Lumina Zhang, a 10th grader at Winston Churchill High School.
"Working on the Youth Advisory Council, I have had the amazing opportunity to advocate for the needs and concerns of my community and for other youth in my area to help to ensure our voices are heard. Working with such dedicated and passionate people has motivated me to make a change and taught me essential skills such as leadership, advocacy, and public speaking," said Celestia Krubally, a 10th grader at Rockville High School.
"My experience with the Youth Advisory Council has been amazing thus far. I have thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded by such inspirational peers, sharing my perspective, and ultimately feeling like I am making both a change and learning," said Ashley Gray, a 12th grader at Northwest High School.
"Being on this Advisory Council has shown me that students have a fighting voice on the County Council. We are provided the valuable opportunity to share our opinions and experiences for Councilmember Sayles to include in her decision making, and I hope to see this continue in the future," said Nico D'Orazio, 11th grader at Thomas S. Wootton High School.
Councilmember Sayles is honored to work with MCPS students in this capacity and is eager to learn more about the ideas forthcoming from the inaugural cohort of youth leaders.
The Youth Advisory Council members include:
- Ashley Gray, 12th grader at Northwest High School
- Ines Foscarini, 11th grader at Walt Whitman High School
- Humsa Tammera, 10th grader at Richard Montgomery High School
- Sevval Aydin, 8th grader at Parkland Magnet Middle School
- Rishi Nixon, 10th grader at MCPS-registered homeschool and Montgomery College
- Kiera Norris, 12th grader at Northwood High School
- Richa Tripathi, 9th grader at John F. Kennedy High School
- Nico D’Orazio, 11th grader at Thomas S. Wootton High School
- Leah Kirschner, 11th grader at Montgomery Blair High School
- Jena Pilch, 9th grader at Walt Whitman High School
- Lumina Zhang, 10th grader at Winston Churchill High School
- Theodora Curtin, 11th grader at Montgomery Blair High School
- Celestia Krubally, 10th grader at Rockville High School
- Chinatu Achor, 11th grader at Thomas S. Wootton High School
- Jill Parreno, 10th grader at Springbrook High School
- Ricardine Cadet, 11th grader at Wheaton High School
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