By ALICIA FEYERHERM
Tiger Media Network
The City of Hays Youth Leadership Advisory Board presented during Thursday’s City Commission meeting.
The board has three students from Thomas More Prep-Marian (TMP) and four students from Hays High School.
“What we’re basically here to do is to promote and encourage community development, involvement and other participation with young leaders within Hays, Kansas,” Chairwoman Isabelle Jones said.
One of the group’s big events this fall was a mock election hosted for eighth graders at Hays Middle School. City, county and state officials discussed the importance of voting.
“It’s an issue across the nation and an issue in our town is there’s not a very great voter turnout and we want to improve that as these kids get to voting age,” Jones said.
During the event two members of the advisory board ran a short “campaign” where they discussed school-related issues like phone usage policies and homework.
“One (candidate) wasn’t all bad and one wasn’t all good, so it really made the kids decide and figure out what they really prioritized and wanted in their representatives,” Jones said.
Public Relations Liaison Erin Ruder focused on a Mental Health Awareness initiative. As part of this initiative, Ruder hosted an assembly at TMP to bring awareness to bullying and offer support.
“We got a great response out of the kids,” Ruder said. “They seemed to really take something out of the presentation which I was very happy to hear.”
Ruder said she is working on expanding the program to Hays High.
Mayor Sandy Jacobs emphasized the importance of mental health programs.
“The interest in mental health in our community is really strong and the fact that you are working with the youth, I really appreciate that,” Jacobs said.
Vice Chair Preston Mermis discussed his Hays Fire Department Explorer program which allows high school students experience with firefighters and first responders.
“It’s been a great initiative,” Mermis said. “The department seems to enjoy it. Having met with EMS and the Kansas Forest Service, they’ve seemed to enjoy the program as well.”
The final responsibility for the group this year was to make recommendations for individuals to serve on the board for next year. Applications were open throughout March and then the group reviewed applications and recommended the following individuals:
- Erin Ruder
- Jenna Brull
- Preston Mermis
- Eliana Pineda
- Mario Hernandez Jr.
- Reghan Byer
- Elizabeth Nickell
The Commission approved the recommendations and Jacobs commended the group for their work.
“We’ve got the best of the best standing up here,” Jacobs said.
The Commission also approved the Audit Report from Adams Brown during the meeting.
The next City Commission meeting will be at 4 p.m. on April 24 at City Hall.