Youth Council
Port St. Lucie's Youth Council was established in 2023 as a way for young people in the community to share their voices and be part of the decision-making process.
It also provides students in grades 9-12 with an opportunity to:
- Learn about local government
- Earn community service hours
- Build leadership skills
- Build public speaking and training opportunities
- Provide their input and feedback to City leaders
2024 Application: Closed
Applications for Youth Council were accepted through June 14, 2024.
Contact
Stephanie Vernot
Community Engagement Manager
svernot@cityofpsl.com
772-873-6491
Members
Youth Council consists of nine members from the following schools: Somerset College Prep. Academy, Mosaic Digital Academy, St. Lucie West Centennial High School, Fort Pierce Central High School, Tradition Prep High School, Treasure Coast High School, Lincoln Park Academy. Youth Council also includes representatives from the St. Lucie County Boys and Girls Club and St. Lucie Roundtable.
- Chair: Victoria Zaravelis
- Vice Chair: Enrique Rosario
- Chair Pro Tem.: Keisha Youyoute
Milestones
- May 2024: Members advocated for an end-of-school-year event for students. The inaugural Big Summer Blowout took place at Minsky Gym on May 30 from noon to 4:30 p.m. The event featured food, drinks, music, field-day contests, prizes and more.
- February 2024: Members hosted a booth at the Citizen Summit on Feb. 3, 2024.
- January 2024: Youth Council traveled to Tallahassee, FL, for Legislative Action Days. Youth Council members worked on presentation skills and public speaking on the first day of the Florida League of Cities workshop. On the second day, they worked on creating a mock skateable art park in their communities by conducting research, creating key messages, developing a strategy, identifying important local government members to secure their support, and making a community improvement concept a reality.
- December 2023: Members hosted a booth at PSLinLights Party on Dec. 15, 2023.
- August 2023: Members attended the Florida League of Cities Youth Conference in Orlando, FL.
- July 2023: City Council appointed the first members of the Youth Council.
- June 2023: Members attended the All-America City Award Event that was held in Denver, CO.