The City of Valparaiso has announced the candidates for the 2022-2023 Mayor’s Youth Council and will swear in the new class during the City Council meeting on August 22, at Valparaiso City Hall. “We’re excited to welcome our second group of students to the Mayor’s Youth Council. The Council is an opportunity for students to learn about city government, develop leadership skills and encourage civic engagement,” said Mayor Matt Murphy in introducing the new Council. “We welcome this new Council and thank them for their interest in their community.”
The Mayor’s Youth Council was introduced last year with support from Valparaiso High School, inviting 11th graders to apply to participate. The Council meets monthly, learning from elected and appointed officials, participating in volunteer opportunities, and cultivating leadership skills, beginning with a Youth Retreat on Aug. 27.
The inaugural Mayor’s Youth Council completed their year in May 2022, culminating with a fundraiser they created to benefit Valpo Parks. “I look forward to getting to know this new Youth Council. Last year, we learned a lot from our Council members and have incorporated their ideas into our plans for this year. I feel that this Council is an excellent investment of time. I know that I myself have learned so much from seeing other leaders in action and seeing what an impact each of us can make,” said Murphy before swearing in the Youth Council. The Mayor’s Youth Council for the City of Valparaiso, 2022-2023 includes:
Carolyn Boxum
Noelle Gapinski
Gabrielle Green
Nikolaos Hambesis
Ella Harris
Lauren King
Alexander Laverman
Mary Magnetti
Miles O'Shea
Alexandra Patton
Journi Powell
Kassidy Reberg
Ava Smrzlick
Elliot Strauss
Sophia Venit
Logan Vice
To learn more about the Mayor’s Youth Council, visit the Mayor’s page at Valpo.us.