FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2008
New youth commission members to be sworn in May 8
A new group of young people will begin their term on the City of Kansas City, Mo., Youth Commission on May 8 with a swearing-in ceremony. The ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. in the 26th floor Council Chamber at City Hall, 414 E. 12th St.
The new commission includes 18 young people who were chosen from a competitive applicant pool.
"These 18 young people are highly accomplished and are dedicated to serving as the official voice of the youth of the city," said Thalia Cherry, manager of the Youth Advocacy Office, a division of the City Manager's Office, and the coordinator of the youth commission.
The following are the new commission members, the City Council District in which they live and their school:
Selchia Cain, 5th District, The Barstow School
Aimee Chau, 2nd District, Oak Park High School
Phyllis Cole, 6th District, Saint Teresa's Academy
David Garrett, 5th District, Hogan Prep Academy
Stephen Harpe, 1st District, Antioch Middle school
Kaprianie Johnson, 3rd District, Lincoln Prep Academy
Kavion Martin, 1st District, Foreign Language Academy
Berenice Olivares, 1st District, Scoula Vita
MarShuna Parker, 3rd District, Northeast High School
Jon Lucas Powell, 4th District, Tolbert Prep Academy
Te'Audra Sanders, 2nd District, University of Central Missouri
Andrew Schofield, 4th District, Rockhurst High School
D'Angela Sims, 5th District, University Academy
Sydney O'Dear, 2nd District, Notre Dame de Sion
Latia Thomas, 6th District, Penn Valley Community College
Jay Walter Jr., 5th District, Westport High School
Claire West, 6th District, Notre Dame de Sion
Michelle Wilson, 6th District, Hickman Mills High School.
The youth commissioners will meet at City Hall every second and fourth Monday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. These meetings are open to the public; young people especially are encouraged to attend and discuss ideas and strategies. This is the City's fourth youth commission.
The purpose of the Kansas City Youth Commission is to mobilize and encourage Kansas City youth to become engaged in the civic arena, as well as promote positive programs and activities in the community. The City established the Kansas City Youth Commission to give young people ages 12-23 the opportunity to be the official youth voice in the City's decision-making process.
They will actively participate in the City's processes to ensure young people have a role and a voice in policy and budget decisions that impact their lives. Members will represent and advocate for the needs and desires of Kansas City's youth and encourage involvement of their peers in Kansas City's political system.
Media inquiries and other requests for more information about the Kansas City Youth Commission should be directed to Thalia Cherry, (816) 513-1378.
