*Written by former Falcon News reporter Kelsey Hemple, with reporter Rico Cervantez contributing
The Youth Activity Council (YAC) was introduced to EHS as a new program this year, on recommendation from the Orchid Health Center.
The YAC connects the student body with the city council and members of the YAC will serve as youth representatives at city council meetings.
Junior Lillian Ossowski says “We are a new club just starting this year so we haven’t done any projects yet, but we are planning a little art project at Orchid Health to teach elementary school kids about germs.”
A common goal among new staff members at EHS has been to better connect the community with the school. YAC helps accomplish this.
The purpose of the new council is to close the gap between the student body and the Orchid Health Center, find more effective ways to educate the public on issues affecting the students in the Fern Ridge district, empower the YAC and youth to learn and possibly pursue internships or careers in local government, and give the students of Fern Ridge a voice with elected officials and other members of local government in regards to issues, projects, and proposals that have any impact on youth in the community.
“The YAC is a super involved community group and I hope it will really help people,” Junior Iris frome said.
The council gives students a voice to be able to cause positive changes within their community and school. These changes include educational presentations delivered by city departments to learn how the city functions, tours of first responder departments, volunteering opportunities with local non-profit establishments, field trips, activities to bond the student body together, and opportunities to better prepare YAC members for life after graduation.
Junior Alicia Murdock says “We are trying to be super involved in our community and create projects, like going to the elementary school and teach kids the importance of hygiene.”
It is hoped that the community sees these changes emerging in the spring.
For now, while the YAC is still laying its foundation, representatives will only be present at the local city council meetings. It is hoped that as the YAC in the Fern Ridge district grows, so will the impact students have on what happens in their classroom.
The goal is for the YAC to represent Elmira in the state legislature, giving students a voice as to what is passed when it comes to their education and school life.
To be a part of the Youth Action Council students must submit an application to the advisor, health teacher Bo Highburger. Students are chosen to serve on the committee based on community involvement, volunteer service, and leadership experience.
YAC is driven by the students. Students decide what needs done most in the community and how they will reach their goals.
When asked about how he thinks YAC will benefit EHS students, Highburger said “Students will hopefully gain a better understanding of the health care that is offered to them via Orchid Health. Students will be given opportunities to meet with local health officials, both in the public and private sector. Students will also have the opportunity to meet with state representatives. Hopefully the YAC members can take these experiences to then in turn advocate for their classmates and communities overall health.”
The YAC is pairing with the district principals to work with young students about the importance of hygiene. They have a lot of future projects, but it will take time because they are a small group of people working for the community.
Lots of new projects are yet to come to EHS.
“One of the things YAC is focused on this year is mental health. We have been discussing ways to improve mental health in Elmira High School,” says Senior Ashlyn Turnbo.
There are six members of the council so far. They are Lillian Ossowski, Iris Frome, Ashlyn Turnbo, Kelly Torres, Maritza Espinoza, and Alicia Murdock.
They meet every couple of Mondays during lunch.
