Arlington Youth Council

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Application period is open for the 2020-2021 school year. Apply here: https://arlingtonwa.seamlessdocs.com/f/AYCouncil 

2019-2020 Youth Council

Grace Williams, Chair
Alec Villa, Vice Chair
Enija Reed
Jaea Davidson
Grace Saenz
Aristala Heaton
Laura Meno

About the Members

Grace Williams:
I am a senior at Arlington High School and a freshman at Everett Community College. I am involved in many activities. My main activity is band and I am also involved in National Honor Society.
Being on Youth Council is a wonderful experience. I first became involved to help the youth in Arlington. I am also wanting to to be part of the community and advice the City and City Council about areas that affect youth. I goal that I have is to have the Youth Council be the immediate connection to the City that youth can use. I am always open to questions and suggestions!

Jaea Davidson:
I am a senior at Arlington High School. For the last 5 years, I have been on a traveling softball team and have learned skills that make teams successful. I am an officer of Arlington High School's Ecology Club. I really enjoy working to make our school a more sustainable place. As a Youth Council member, it's so rewarding to represent students in government. I joined the Youth Council to become more involved with and educated about what goes on in city government and grow my leadership skills. I love staying involved in my community.
Grace Saenz:
I am a sophomore at Arlington High School and this is my first year on the Youth Council. I am involved in basketball and band. I joined the Youth Council to develop new relationships and to get a better understanding of leadership. One goal I have for our Youth Council is to spread awareness and information on health issues that affect our generation. I am excited about what we can accomplish this year!
Alec Villa:
I am a senior at Arlington High School and am the Vice Chair of the Arlington Youth Council. This is my fourth year serving on the Arlington Youth Council. Some of my other interests include singing in Arlington's Jazz Choir, Flight, performing in all the musicals and plays for the drama program, and volunteering through the National Honor Society at my school. Serving on the youth council for three years has definitely changed my perspective on government work, and it has made me a more organized and responsible person.Serving on the council allows me to make the community a better place for teens and everyone in general.
Grace Williams
Jaea
Grace S
Alec 2019

Enija Reed:

I am a junior 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 sophomore at Arlington High School, and this is my first 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 sophomore at Arlington High School and this will be my first 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.

Enija 3
Aris Youth Council 2019
Youth council Laura Meno


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.