By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
A new Youth Leadership Advisory Board has been created by the city of Hays and will work as a liaison with the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The idea came from Mayor Mason Ruder, who presented seven recommendations from Hays High School and Thomas More Prep-Marian High School.
"The idea that really spurred this was the idea of getting youth involved in our community a little more," Ruder said.
"There are a bunch of other activities like this," he acknowledged, "but to have that direct connection to the city commission and really influence change was a huge selling point to me. ... It starts with the youngest members of our community becoming involved citizens. It's those in high school. They have amazing ideas."
Each of the students, from freshmen to seniors, was suggested by a faculty member and will serve one year.
The inaugural youth board members are:
Evyn Cox-Hays High School
Cy Drobeck-Hays High School
Henry Fitzthum-Hays High School
Isabelle Jones-Hays High School
Mia Lang-Thomas More Prep-Marian High School
Preston Mermis-Thomas More Prep-Marian High School
Nathan Stecklein-Thomas More Prep-Marian High School
At the suggestion of Commissioner Sandy Jacobs, the commission made an amendment and voted to allow any high school student in Hays to apply after this year. The application also will be online.
"I think it's a great idea to get involved with the community and learn more about our local government and to get more youth involved," Stecklein, a TMP-M junior, told the commission.
Cox, HHS junior, said she thinks it will be a "great opportunity to give my ideas to the city."
"This'll be a great way to improve my community," said Mermis, a TMP-M freshman.
Mermis and Cox also talked about the leadership skills they plan to hone while serving on the advisory board.
Their terms began May 1 and will run through May 1, 2024.
Each successive mayor will appoint the new youth board members with commission approval.