By Keily Alfonzo, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
The Apopka Youth Council embraces junior and senior students from all over the city as they embark on the journey to participate in service projects that will benefit the citizens of Apopka.
During Wednesday's city council meeting, the City of Apopka recognized the Youth Council Members of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Stephen Cribb, City of Apopka Special Projects Specialist said during the meeting that last year, they were able to do many things through different events and initiatives with the city.
“They've already thrown a lot of great ideas out there,” Cribb said. “We have a lot more youth and a lot more hands to help out so we're looking forward to doing a lot more this year.”
According to the City of Apopka website, The Apopka Youth Council offers young people a chance to engage with local government, gain valuable insights into civic processes, and develop leadership skills. By acting as a bridge between the City Council and the youth of Apopka, members can voice their concerns and ideas, helping to shape their community.
The students recognized during the meeting included:
- Matthew Touchet, Apopka High School senior student.
- Andres Mayr, Forest Lake Academy junior student
- August Rice, Apopka High School junior student.
- Sophia Powell, Apopka High School junior student
- Hunter Yarbrough, Dr. Phillips High School senior student.
- Brock Shapiro, Apopka High School junior student.
- Jhenelle Francis, Apopka High School senior student
- Olivia Hodge, Apopka High School senior student.
- Aryssa Monize, Apopka High School senior student
- Kendall Walker, Apopka High School junior student
- Richa Shah, Apopka High School senior student
- Isabella Fernandes, Forest Lake Academy, Senior
- Ava Misa, Central Florida Preparatory School junior student.
Two other youths who made the council and were not in attendance last night:
- Joshamie Faustin, Apopka High School, Senior
- Nazra Young, Central Florida Christian Academy, Junior
Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez mentioned how proud she is of the Apopka Youth Council at the meeting.
“We started the Apopka High School Key Club, and I have some of the students who are in the Youth Council that are also in the Key Club so that makes me excited for them,” Velazquez said.
Commissioner Nick Nesta also pointed out that Apopka High School is continuing the tradition of community initiatives.
“When I was in high school, we started the Youth Advisory Board back in the day at Apopka High School, so it's very cool to see this continue,” Nesta said.
At the end of the meeting, Nesta addressed the Youth council by encouraging them to get more involved in civics and local government.
