GONZALES — Gonzales Youth Commissioners Magaly Santos and Aidan Cervantes recently announced that 16 youth have been selected to serve on the 2020-21 Gonzales Youth Council.
The new youth council members are: seniors Alexa Hernandez, Lorena Flores and Carolina Perez; juniors Yanira Ruacho, Julissa Aldaco, Brittney Torres, Angela Rodriguez, Gabriel Mendez and Ruby Virgen; sophomores Maya Leal, Autumn Escobedo and Sherlyn Flores; and freshmen Guadalupe Cervantes, Luke Naegle and Aliyah Castillo.
The members were formally announced and introduced to the Gonzales City Council by the youth commissioners at a recent city council meeting. This is the City of Gonzales’ sixth youth council.
Gonzales Youth Council is a unique partnership between the Gonzales Unified School District (GUSD) and the City of Gonzales.
The council, which is comprised of youth from seventh through 12th grades and chaired by the two youth commissioners, provides input into the policies and programs adopted and implemented by the city and the school district.
The youth council program promotes and establishes civic engagement opportunities, leadership training and provides a sustainable and long-term learning environment by connecting youth directly with elected and executive officials.
Members review and analyze information, engage in discussions and advocacy, make recommendations pertaining to matters that impact youth and participate in quarterly service projects that contribute to the betterment of the community.
Youth commissioners serve as a liaison between the youth council, city council and GUSD board. They attend city council and school board meetings on behalf of the youth council and make presentations.
This year the members have been engaged in a survey project to identify gaps in mental health resources for youth in the community.
