Arlington Youth Council

Apply

Application is closed for 2021-2022 school year.
For questions, email Sarah Lopez slopez@arlingtonwa.gov  or call 360-403-3448.

Youth Resource Guide

http://arlingtonwa.gov/youth

2021-2022 Youth Council

Grace Saenz
Laura Meno
Jenna Estep
Kimberly Leach
Sera Sabol
Mariska Lebahn

About the Members

Laura Meno:

I am a senior 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.
Grace Saenz:

My name is Grace Saenz. I am a senior at Arlington High School and this will be my third year are the council. This year I get the opportunity to be our president! At high school, I am involved with the 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 senior 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!
Sera Sabol:

My name is Sera Sabol, and I am a Sophomore at Arlington High School. This is my first year living in Arlington and serving on the Arlington Youth Council. Since I'm not originally from Arlington, I hope to provide a unique perspective to conversations on the council. Outside of school, I enjoy sports like mountain biking and running. I also enjoy photography, spending time with my family, walking my dog, and reading and watching horror movies. Once I graduate from school, I hope to pursue a career in Politics.
Laura MenoGrace Saenz
JennaESeraSabol


Kimberly Leach:

Hi, my name is Kimberly Leach I am a freshman in high school. I enjoy swimming, golf, Halloween and I am a major “Trekie”. I play flute and bass guitar in a band at my school. I am new to the Arlington youth council and I am happy to be able to have a voice in our community. 


 


Kimberly Leach



Arlington Youth Council

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 the city's teens, the community, and city government.

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.