Twenty-five 11th- and 12th-grade students across Millcreek were sworn in as this year's members of the Millcreek Community Youth Council on Sept. 8.

The program was introduced by Kristy Parajuli, who serves as the Education Program Director for The Promise Program. Parajuli also serves as the Youth Council Advisor for the program, and she expressed her excitement for the upcoming school year with the council.

Millcreek's Mayor Jeff Silvestrini has been an advocate for investing in youth today to create a better tomorrow. In Utah, there are a number of cities that have programs for youth to get involved with their local systems of government. The Promise Program has also supported a similar youth community council in Salt Lake City, and together the councils give a voice to kids who want a chance to be heard in the community.

The mission of the Millcreek Youth Council is to serve the Millcreek community, build connections among youth across the city, and engage in policy issues that are important to the members and their peers. 

The success of young people in Millcreek is a consistent topic during council meetings, and in 2021, Millcreek won a best in state award for Best Youth Organization. Councilwoman Bev Uipi of District 4 was serving as mayor pro-temp for the evening and welcomed the participating students, who each came to the stand to tell the council their name, grade level and school. 

The participating students come from Skyline High School, Olympus High School, East High School, and the Cottonwood Academy for Math, Engineering and Science. On the executive committee, Skyline senior Johnathan Chen will serve as the Events Committee chair, Skyline senior Annie Lee will serve as secretary, Olympus senior Adam Moffitt will serve as mayor pro- temp, and Skyline senior Heidi Jackson will serve as mayor.

Following their introductions, Councilwoman Uipi led the students in taking an oath of office, where they pledged to represent the community with integrity, serve with respect and responsibility, and make the voices of the youth heard in their community. The students were then welcomed to the youth council with a round of applause, celebrating their initiation.

The council will hold regular meetings to discuss their agenda and goals for the year twice a month. Over the course of the year the students will serve 60 hours, encompassing their meetings, service projects and other events. The council engages in a wide variety of engagements including park cleanups, winter clothing drives and city events.

Learn more about the Millcreek Youth Community Council by visiting their website www.millcreekut.gov/225/Youth-Council.