CAPTION: Hutchinson City Youth Council members, left to right, Alaina LaMunyon, Katilynn Holtz, Kayelyn Wellington, Maggie Mosley, and Maddlynn Mosley, hold their first meeting of the year at Hutchinson City Hall.
By Kate Irelan
In the first meeting of the year for the Hutchinson Youth City Council, the members introduced themselves, had a swearing in ceremony, and made decisions on multiple fundraising drives for unhoused people, took action on creating a study session to organize the drives and plan a Youth Fair, and watched a presentation about the City of Hutchinson new branding campaign.
After a prayer by Pastor Mike Jobe, a welcome statement from council president Kayelyn Wellington, and encouraging public comments from Esmeralda Tovar-Mora, the council were sworn in one by one by Hutchinson public communications manager, Jessica Woodyard. Then the council introduced themselves.
President Kayelyn Wellington said this is her second year in the youth council, last year serving as treasurer, and she attends HMS-8. She participates in volleyball, wrestling and drama. Wellington said, “I can’t wait, and I’m so thankful to our board for giving us this opportunity.”
Vice President Katilynn Holtz said this is her first year on the council. She is a junior at Hutchinson High School and participates in debate. Holtz said, “I’m also very excited to see what this year brings.”
Activities Director Maddlynn Mosley said this is her second year on the council and she is in 9th grade at Hutchinson High School. She participates in NAACP Youth and Rise Up Reno. Maddlynn said, “I think it’s really fun. I’m so excited to plan new events this year.”
Treasurer Alaina LaMunyon said this is her first year on the council. She attends school at HMS-8 and some activities that she’s involved in are volleyball, band, and Rise Up Reno. LaMunyon said, “I’m very excited to see what we can do this year and I’m excited to form some new connections.”
Secretary Maggie Mosley said this is her second year on the council and she attends HMS-7. She is involved in cheer, band, choir, and Rise Up Reno. Maggie said, “I can’t wait for what this year is going to bring us.”
The 2024 youth city council president, Ruby Tovar-Contreras facilitated the meeting in an advisory role.
Woodyard explained the swearing in ceremony, and one by one, each youth council member repeated the promises after Woodyard and signed the official document making them council members.
Council members then discussed whether to continue multiple fundraising drives for the unhoused, and all were in agreement to have at least two during the year, one in the summer and one in the winter when the weather is at its most harsh. Several members also agreed that an additional emergency drive be held for victims of the recent uptick in housefires and to make an effort to focus on unhoused families so parents don’t lose their children because of their temporary circumstances.
The council discussed moving the date for the Youth Fair, which has been held in May, because there is not enough time to plan and implement after the council starts their operating year. The council voted on creating a study session to think about events and plan.
Then the council heard a presentation from Woodyard about the City of Hutchinson new branding campaign. Woodyard presented slides and talked about doing interviews with the community and collaborating with Bowercomm to come up with a colorful brand image that showed how the community is energized with recent positive changes, and how community and local government are a team and not separate. The council approved the new designs and discussed how to change their logo to better reflect the new brand and show that they are a welcoming group.
After sharing some youth-related upcoming events, the council shared their closing comments and the meeting was adjourned.
Scheduled Youth City Council Meetings are every 4th Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at city hall, 125 E Avenue B, and can be viewed live stream on the youth council Facebook page. The vision for the City of Hutchinson Youth Council is to empower youth dedicated to personal development and servant leadership.
