City of Naples establishes Naples Youth Council
September 15, 2021
Naples High School students sworn in as City’s inaugural Youth Council
Naples, FL (September 15, 2021) – Today, the City of Naples inaugural Youth Council was sworn in prior to the City Council’s Regular Meeting. The role of the City of Naples Youth Council is to provide teens the opportunity to learn about the role of city government officials, provide input on a variety of initiatives from a youth perspective, and participate in authentic city projects. The Youth Council will serve in an advisory capacity to City Council and is comprised of sophomores and juniors attending Naples High School. After a rigorous interview process, 13 students were selected to serve on the Youth Council: Ellessandra Taormino (Chair), Haylee Gingras (Vice Chair), Connor Bricco (Clerk), Cole Perkins (Manager), Cooper Tunkle, Tanner Coleman, Lucas Edwards, Rebecca Bartus, Isabella Sanchez, Willem Jaron, Alexis Anand, Fay Ghorayeb, and Lauren Connell.
A municipal youth council prepares young people to be future civic leaders and supports our city government initiative to be proactive, engaging, and responsive to a high level of service for current and future generations of residents. During their council term, the students will be immersed in local government operations, learn about City policies and procedures, and formulate solutions on community issues. Community Services Department personnel will serve as the City liaison to Naples High School and will assist the program participants with the facilitation of municipal service projects and initiatives.
“The Naples Youth Council provides opportunity for the civic engagement of young leaders today as they prepare to lead our community tomorrow. The youth of Naples have choices, these are saying, ‘We choose to lead!’,” said Vice Mayor Hutchison.
The mission statement developed by the City of Naples Youth Council is: “The purpose of the Naples Youth City Council is to act on a common desire to see positive change within the community while working with government officials to resolve issues relevant to the youth. Representing students to improve while encouraging the embetterment of the community.“
