VALDOSTA — Seventeen students were sworn in at a Valdosta City Council meeting recently to serve on the 2018-19 Valdosta Youth Council.

The VYC, initiated by Mayor John Gayle in 2015, “inspires and prepares seventh- through ninth-grade students for leadership and civic opportunities while allowing them to gain a better understanding of municipal government and community service,” according to city officials.

Selection was based on academics, involvement in school and community organizations, leadership potential and a written recommendation from a school administrator. The students are:

• Juan Angel, ninth grade, Valdosta High School

• Joseph Butters, seventh grade, Classical Conversations

• Brayden Anderson, seventh grade, Valdosta Middle School

• Emily Dinkins, eighth grade, St. John Catholic School

• Will Gerber, ninth grade, Valdosta High School

• Daniel Holcombe, ninth grade, Valdosta High School

• Jeffrey Barrett, seventh grade, Valdosta Middle School

• Najah Blankumsee, eighth grade, J.L. Newbern Middle School

• George Butters, seventh grade, Classical Conversations

• Aniya Davenport, ninth grade, Valdosta High School

• Janay Hill, eighth grade, Valdosta Middle School

• Nevin Miller, ninth grade, Lowndes High School

• Catriona Moore, eighth grade, St. John Catholic School

• Natalie Savoie, eighth grade, St. John Catholic School

• Toni Salami, eighth grade, Valdosta High School

• Anthony Thomas, eighth grade, J.L. Newbern Middle School

• Erick Thomas Jr., eighth grade, Valdosta Middle School

“I look forward to working alongside these young leaders throughout the school year, hearing their concerns and suggestions and witnessing the impact they will have on their peers and within our community,” Gayle said.

The 2018-19 VYC members, eight of whom are returning from the previous year, are following a successful 2017-18 program year.

The VYC is guided by an advisory board appointed by Gayle who serves as head of the board. The 2018-19 VYC Advisory Board members are Laurie Wallace of St. John Catholic School, James White of J.L. Newbern Middle School, Councilwoman Vivian Miller-Cody of District 1, and city staff members Teresa Bolden, Ashlyn Becton and Marcus McConico.

The VYC meetings are held from 4:15-5:15 p.m. just prior to the second City Council meeting of each month in Council Chambers (unless otherwise noted) and they are open to the general public.