Mayor's Youth Council: ‘Highlight of my senior year'
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — High schoolers wanting to learn more about local government have an upcoming opportunity.
The City of Sioux Falls is accepting applications for the next Mayor's Youth Council.
From touring the city's water reclamation plant to joining Mayor Paul TenHaken for the lighting of a downtown Christmas tree, there are all kinds of experiences in store for students on the Mayor's Youth Council.
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One student who's currently on the council says one of the most eye-opening experiences on the council so far has been a trip to the landfill.
'It just kind of put it into perspective how hard they work and how often a lot of people go unrecognized,' Mayor's Youth Council Member Kinley Freese said.
'Throughout my time on the MYC, I've encountered an ample number of new and exciting opportunities for meeting with local and state officials and touring city department facilities as well as fostering relationships with other students in Sioux Falls who share similar passions to me,' Mayor's Youth Council Member Adeline Roths said.
Mayor TenHaken started the Mayor's Youth Council in 2021.
In addition to learning about local government and sharing input on community issues, the council also gives students a chance to give back.
In 2023, KELOLAND News followed along as the Mayor's Youth Council at the time volunteered at the Furniture Mission of South Dakota.
'MYC is not just something good to put in a college admissions essay or something to stand out with on an activities resume. It is an opportunity to be a part of a change,' Roths said.
'Without a doubt, Mayor's Youth Council was the highlight of my senior year,' Freese said.
The next Mayor's Youth Council kicks off in the fall.
Applications must be submitted by March 16th.
Current sophomores or juniors living in Sioux Falls may apply for the council.Students at public, private, or home schools are eligible.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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