High school leaders will learn about city government,
voice issues impacting youth
Mayor Sylvester Turner is pleased to announce the members of the 2021-2022 Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC). Seventeen high school students took the MYC oath of office administered by the mayor at an inauguration ceremony held at City Hall on October 12. In attendance were students’ family members and City officials.
“I am proud to welcome the new members of the Mayor’s Youth Council and look forward to hearing from them about the issues that impact young people and their communities,” said Mayor Turner. “They are the leaders of today and tomorrow, and we welcome their perspectives and creative ideas for addressing the challenges our communities face.”
Established in 1998, the MYC provides youth experience in the workings of city government and the opportunity to share issues of concern with city officials and gain civic leadership skills through community service activities. The council is modeled after the elected City Council, with membership consisting of a chair, vice chair, secretary, aides, and 11 district and 5 at-large council members. The program is administered by the Department of Neighborhoods (DON).
“We value the opportunity to serve as mentors and advisors for our young leaders as they learn about city government and gain civic affairs experience,” said DON director TaKasha Francis. “Over their tenure, they will learn invaluable skills as they participate in a wide range of leadership development activities, including the UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative, youth town halls at area high schools, and monthly community service projects.”
Pictured: Newly named 2021-2022 Mayor’s Youth Council members pose with
Mayor Sylvester Turner, Department of Neighborhoods director TaKasha Francis and staff.
The MYC members were selected from of pool of nearly 100 applicants consisting of students ages 14-18 who live and attend high school in Houston. The members were chosen through an application and interview process conducted by a selection committee. The MYC term of office runs from October 2021 to May 2022.
For more information, visit www.houstontx.gov/myc/.
MAYOR’S YOUTH COUNCIL
2021-2022 Term
Administration
Chair
Victoria Gonzalez – Clear Lake High School
Vice Chair
Grace Liu – Bellaire High School
Secretary
Brooke Ferrel – Carnegie Vanguard High School
Historian
Megan Tran – DeBakey High School for Health Professions
Webmaster
Javier Moreno – Carnegie Vanguard High School
Members
City Council District A
Hayden Mintzer – St. Agnes Academy
City Council District B
Amber Edwards – Houston Academy of International Studies
City Council District C
Brooke Ferrel – Carnegie Vanguard High School
City Council District D
Avery Robinson – Westbury High School
City Council District E
Alexavier Mendoza – Chavez High School
City Council District F
Tommy Wan – The Village School
City Council District G
Divya Shukla – Carnegie Vanguard High School
City Council District H
Javier Moreno – Carnegie Vanguard High School
City Council District I
Anthony Gonzalez – The Kinkaid School
City Council District J
David Dzul – DeBakey High School for Health Professions
City Council District K
Megan Tran – DeBakey High School for Health Professions
City Council At Large 1
Caleb Davis – Houston Academy of International Studies
City Council At Large 2
Grace Liu – Bellaire High School
City Council At Large 3
Bruce Hurley – The Kincaid School
City Council At Large 4
Victoria Gonzalez – Clear Lake High School
City Council At Large 5
Folakeni Elekolusi – Harmony School of Innovation
Aide/Alternate
Sheralyn Cruz – YES Prep Southwest
Contact:
Evangelina Vigil
Public Information Officer
Office: 832.393.0832
Mobile: 281.904.3015