Arlington Youth Council

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Application period is open for the 2020-2021 school year is closed.

2020-2021 Youth Council

Grace Saenz, Chair
Enija Reed, Vice Chair
Aristala Heaton
Laura Meno
Savanna Soltero
Jenna Estep
Taylor Helle

About the Members

Savanna Soltero: I am a Senior at Arlington High School, this is my first year on the Arlington Youth Council. I participate in a lot of school activities such as tennis, cheerleading, Art Club, Student Senate, and SkillsUSA. I joined the Arlington Youth Council in order to make a difference and be a voice for the youth of the community. I have enjoyed my time so far on the council and can't wait to continue on, I have gotten to know great people and share my ideas in a place without judgement, full of positivity. I'm so excited for this year and can't wait to see what we accomplish.	Taylor Helle: I am a senior at Arlington High School and this is my first year on the Arlington Youth Council. In school I have been involved with ASB, leadership, NHS, Key Club, DECA, theater, and volleyball. Outside of school I spend most of my time playing competitive beach volleyball, and in my free time I love to go to concerts and spending time with family and friends. I joined the Youth Council because I wanted to stay involved in our community through these uncertain times and be a voice for the youth of our town. I also wanted to put ideas into action and learn more about the local government.	Grace Saenz: My name is Grace Saenz. I am a junior at Arlington High School and this will be my third year are the council. This year I get a the opportunity to be our president! At the high school I am involved with band which I love very much. This year for the youth council I hope that we grow together and better each other. I also hope that we find ways to help our peers and bring new things and ideas to them.	Jenna Estep: I am a junior at Arlington High School this year, and this is my first year on the Arlington Youth Council. I’m involved in several arts programs at the school, including Aeric Treble Choir, band, and drama. My creativity is a large facet of my personality that I’m so excited to bring to this team. I’m also a member of the National Honor Society and I take several AP classes. Outside of school, I love drawing and painting along with hiking in our beautiful state. I aim to bring varied perspectives to our local government and to involve our youth with systems that aren’t necessarily made to give them a major voice. I’m excited to see what we can achieve this year!
Enija Reed: I am a senior at Arlington High School.  I participate in out of school activities, such as the Arlington Youth Council, my job at the Stilly Diner, and sports: track and volleyball. I joined the Arlington Youth Council in order to help the voice of the youth in Arlington be heard, as well as to observe a government that was unfamiliar to me, from the inside. I enjoy being on the council, due to the fact that I have gotten to know all of these knew people and been able to contribute my ideas in a positive and uplifting environment. I can’t wait to see where our work continues to grow.	Aristala Heaton: I am a junior at Arlington High School, and this is my second year on the Youth Council. I am involved in the high school band and theater crew. Outside of school I enjoy backpacking, traveling, and writing. My life goal is to travel the world writing my dreams and experiences for everyone to enjoy and learn from. I joined the council so I can try my best to make an impact in the city I've grown up in. I hope to walk out of Arlington and head off to college leaving this city better than it is now.	Laura Meno: I am a junior at Arlington High School and this will be my second year serving on the Youth Council. I am active in volleyball, track and field, DECA, as well as my responsibilities as Class Executive Officer at AHS. I joined the youth council to have a voice in our community as well as to educate the community of different youth issues. It is my desire to make an impact and contribute to making Arlington a better community.

Arlington Youth Council

Developing a Youth Council in Arlington was a strategy of the Arlington-Darrington Community Revitalization Plan, America’s Best Communities. The purpose of the Youth Council is to advise the Mayor and City Council in all matters related to and affecting the youth in our community and provide youth perspectives on a range of community issues and topics. The youth council is structured to create an essential link among our area’s teens, the community, and city government.

“One critical component of community and workforce development is supporting the youth of today to become the leaders of tomorrow. Smaller rural communities frequently lose their young people as they move out of the area to pursue higher education and entry-level careers, resulting in a “brain drain” of talent needed to sustain a vibrant local economy. This strategy establishes youth councils in both Arlington and Darrington that will focus on issues of interest to youth leaders by integrating young people into the political process and equipping them with the skills and resources to address these problems. The objective is to encourage young people to make meaningful contributions to their respective communities and the region as a whole through the creation of autonomous youth councils in Arlington and Darrington. Ultimately, the intent is to give them a sense of investment and a bond that will promote the Stillaguamish Valley as a place where they can grow professionally in the future” Arlington-Darrington Community Revitalization Plan.

Applications will be available in July or August of each year. Terms are September through June.

Benefits

Benefits of serving on the Arlington Youth Council:

• Serve on a city committee
• Learn about local government
• Have a voice in your community
• Make improvements in your community
• Learn leadership skills
• Learn how to work in a committee environment
• Network with government, business and other professionals
• Volunteer opportunity
• Develop career or college references

Requirements

Requirements for serving on the Youth Council:

• Members shall be entering 8th grade through the 12th grade at time of application
• Members shall reside within the Arlington School District or have an Arlington Address
• Meetings are once a month, approximate 2 hours per meeting, other meetings may be assigned
• One year commitment; however, you are encouraged to apply for a second term
• Transportation to and from the meetings
• Attend the majority of the meetings
• Conduct yourself in a manner that positively represents the City
• Maintain good academic standing and attendance in school
• Must reside within the Arlington School District or have an Arlington address

Questions, please contact Sarah Lopez at 360-403-3448.