20 Nov 2016 Maumelle Youth Council gives back to community

Story and photos
by Callie Sterling

The Maumelle Youth Council has been positively impacting lives of youth in Maumelle for 16 years. The group allows youth in Maumelle the opportunity to gain leadership experience and extensive knowledge of local government.

“In April of 1994, a handful of Maumelle’s city leaders proposed the formation of a student advisory committee,” said MYC Adviser Kevin Cummings. “The organization was first called the Student Board of Directors, and later the name was changed to the Maumelle Youth Council. The purpose of the group is to help bring the views of the city’s youth into the affairs of local government. The first meeting of the MYC occurred in September of 1994.”

According to the MYC mission statement, the organization provides the opportunity for youth to develop mature citizenship, a sense of personal achievement and an understanding of government.

“We do not have a cap on the number we select, although 30-40 youths appear to be the optimal number due to space availability and functionality,” Cummings said. “We have had as many as 55 members, but this year’s council is comprised of 31 highly-motivated youth. There are seven different local high schools represented on the council, although the vast majority attend Maumelle High School. MYC is comprised of sophomores, juniors and seniors; we generally see a good balance of these three classes.”

MYC members participate in a wide variety of philanthropic events.

“Aside from the monthly regular meetings, annual events include the Maumelle Haunted House and carnival, the Maumelle Easter Egg Hunt and several other events that the MYC co-sponsors,” Cummings said. “Volunteer efforts include wrapping presents for the local elderly, serving at Pancake Breakfast with Santa and raking leaves at the historic Pyeatte-Mason Cemetery.”

Each March, a select group of senior MYC members travel to Washington, D.C., to the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference.

“The MYC frequently has one of the larger contingents of students attending this national conference each year,” Cummings said.
To qualify to attend the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference, students must complete a minimum of two years on the MYC and raise the funds needed in order to attend.

“These high school seniors . . . undoubtedly gain a better appreciation for the country we live in,” Cummings said. “This trip gives them a better understanding of the role of the federal government in their daily lives. The trip allows the MYC to see the places and things that they have studied throughout high school and their tenure on the council.”

The MYC is governed by five officers, a mayor position and four aldermen roles. Sarang Harris, a senior at Maumelle High School, holds the 2016-17 mayor position. J.D. Bengtson, Grace Krebs, Ben Orfanos and Victoria Ortega hold the four aldermen positions.

To become a member of MYC, a potential member must live in Maumelle. Interested students are required to fill out an application. The selection process also consists of an interview and a written assignment. There is no fee to apply or participate in MYC.

“This is my first year on the council, and I began the application process by filling out the initial application,” Orfanos said. “I then wrote a half-page paper on why I wanted to become a member and what I would contribute.”

According to a survey conducted by Cummings, students feel that being a member of MYC is beneficial for five prominent reasons: it’s an application booster for college, the military and jobs; leadership and civics experience; community service; the opportunity to go to Washington D.C.; and participation in community events.

Students gain valuable skills and knowledge by participating in the organization.

“This is my second year on the council,” Krebs said. “I have gained a lot of knowledge about the government and the Maumelle community as a whole.”

For more information on the MYC, contact Cummings at [email protected].