Congratulations to the 2019 Mayor’s Youth Committee (MYC) graduates! This year, 21 juniors and seniors from public and charter high schools throughout Mesa completed the program that began in September. MYC is made up of an elect group of students nominated by their school principals and counselors to participate in the competitive application process.
Four Desert Ridge students graduated from the committee this year. Kendalynn Hansen, Chance Herbert, Jennifer Pino, and Kate Selles completed the program, with Chance Herbert and Jennifer Pino graduating with honors.
Throughout the program, students learn the ins and outs of city government, research and present solutions to real city issues and participate in community events.
“I am very proud of all these students and the leadership role they have taken,” Mayor John Giles said. “They understand the importance of civic participation in governance and are dedicated to giving back to their community.”
The students interact with the Mayor, City Councilmembers and City departments such as, Transportation; Economic Development; Solid Waste and Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities while working on assignments.
This year, MYC was tasked with finding a way to help us reach our NextMesa. The teams researched city services and looked for ways to improve them or created new a new project, development or initiative complete with timeline, budget and graphics.
The teams presented their ideas to Mayor Giles and Councilmember Jen Duff who then selected the winning team.
The projects ranged from human trafficking and homelessness to financial literacy and a website mapping free activities for teens. The winners pitched a teen financial literacy program called Mesa Moves Up. The team was treated to a Spring Training game at Hohokam Stadium.
The 2019 Mayor’s Youth Committee Graduates are: Asia Bach*, Sarah Butler*, Dylan Butterfield*, Francisco Enriquez*, Michael Fairbanks, Emily Gregg, Kendalynn Hansen, Chance Herbert*, Laura Huddleston, Jaclyn Lane, Jacob Martinez, Trent Moore, Grace Page*, Jennifer Pino*, Nathaniel Ross, Tara Ruhland*, Jack Ruiz, Kate Selles, Kayleigh Steele, Ashlyn Thompson*, Francesca Valli-Doherty
*Graduating with Honors
For more information about the Mayor’s Youth Committee go to www.mesaaz.gov/city-hall/mayor-council/mayor-john-giles/mayor-s-youth-committee.
