Danville City Youth Council met on Wednesday at the City Auditorium Conference Room to discuss the upcoming term.
This year’s council is composed of six members -- two from Galileo Magnet High School and four from G.W. High School.
“This is the third year of this program and we look forward to seeing what this group will produce,” said Danville Parks and Recreation Director Bill Sgrinia.
While the majority of Wednesday’s meeting was dedicated to orientation and scheduling, the council members voiced some opinions on topics they wish to cover this semester. Safety concerns within the school system were on the top of the list.
The students spoke very highly of their schools and pointed out to School Board Chairman Dr. Ed Polhamus and City Councilman John Gilstrap who attended the meeting that they, along with many of their classmates, look forward to the opportunity to meet with both the School Board and City Council to reach solutions and offer suggestions.
Other topics of interest included extracurricular opportunities, downtown projects and potential projects, communication between youth and authority and positive marketing and media concerning their schools.
The council will meet the second Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. to discuss the aforementioned topics as well as additional governmental operations, projects and concerns.
The first meeting will be held on January 12 in the cafeteria at George Washington High School and will be a joint meeting with City Council and School Board Officials.
Meet your Danville City Youth Council Class of 2016:
Ishmale Davis, G.W. High School, senior. “My favorite thing about Danville is the school system. There is room for improvement and we are working toward it.”
Reginald Jeffires, Galileo Magnet High School, senior. “My favorite thing about Danville is the room for opportunity.”
Dacia Marable, Galileo Magnet High School, sophomore. “Danville is a beautiful place with wonderful people.”
Mary Kate Milam, G.W. High School, senior. “My favorite thing about Danville is the sense of a small community. The location is also great, along with the historical aspects.”
Rebecca Rodden, G.W. High School, senior. “The historical aspects are by far my favorite part about Danville.”
Kameron Walker, G.W. High School, senior. “What I like most about Danville are the many different opportunities that young people have to express themselves.”
Unless otherwise noted, Danville City Youth Council will meet the second Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. at the City Auditorium. Minutes of each meeting will be posted on the Danville City Youth Council page on PlayDanvilleVA.com. Click on “Programs and Events” and “Danville City Youth Council.”