By Emily Burleigh

Twenty-two new members were inducted into the Leesville Mayor’s Youth Council by Mayor Pro Tempore Phillip Hunt at a city council meeting on Monday.

The Mayor’s Youth Council has been a long-standing part of Leesville’s community but was brought back last year after a pandemic-related hiatus.

Each year, 9th- through 12th-grade students at Leesville High School are appointed to the council. During their time as members, they work collaboratively to become informed community leaders.

Trevor Peters, Jobs for America’s Graduates Louisiana specialist at Leesville High School, is a sponsor for this year’s council alongside Staci Stipe, a Mayor’s Women’s Commission member.

Peters said the youth council is “extremely important to the leadership development of students as they learn how they can help to make positive impacts in their community” by attending civic meetings and participating in volunteer work.”

He said there are five purposes of the council: develop leadership, strengthen communities, provide insight, learn about government and promote civic participation.

Students had to apply to be on the council by submitting an essay on community service.

The members of the 2024-25 Mayor’s Youth Council are Lilyana Vallejo- Arroyo, Ava Brown,

Daren Brown, Julius Brown, Kimberly Davis, Isaac Dowden, Jazzlyn Eleazer, Shaelyn Eleazer, Maysn Escoffery-Williams, Sasha Gatson, McKenzie Harris, Layla Hawkins, Jaelyn Hood, Hailee Jeane, Jailen Johnson, Jlayah Jones, Tashira Lucius, Macy Mawae, Bhavi Patel, Reagan Pickens, Destinee Riggins, Aariyhan Rodgers Sophia Santos and Creek Smith.

Hunt told the students at the meeting they “can do anything with their life,” even if they choose not to attend college, according to a press release said.

“I did not attend college, yet here I am. It’s not for everyone. But, if you do choose college, I encourage you to come back, because we need you here.”