Youth Board starts 22nd year; welcomes new members, officers

The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board recently started its 22nd year with new members, the first meeting of the 2013-2014 term, and officer elections.

YAB member Kelsey Warmbrod, an Oak Ridge High School senior serving in her fifth term of office, was elected chairwoman, a press release said. In other elections, fourth-year member Shane Harris was elected vice chair, senior Abby Douglas was elected secretary, and Peter Magill was elected treasurer.

At an Aug. 21 meeting, YAB members will set annual goals, the press release said. The YAB will vote on continuing some of its most popular events, including Graduation Celebration, the Turkey Bowl Disc Golf event, dodgeball tournaments, the Freshman-Sophomore Dance, Summer Jobs and Career Fair for Teens, Battle of the Teen Bands, and a Nashville Leadership trip. Some of the new goals that have been suggested for 2013-2014 include flag football, pickleball, a scavenger hunt, teen news reporting, and more.

“The discussion on goals is the most important discussion that we will have during the year,” city staff liaison Matt Reedy said. “Each YAB member will be given a chance to share an idea or dream for Oak Ridge and each of them will accept leadership responsibilities for at least one program or event during the year. Board members will learn valuable skills through policy discussions, volunteering, event planning, and partnership building, which will be a benefit to them throughout their lives.”

The Youth Advisory Board was created in 1991, and it serves as a liaison between the Oak Ridge City Council and the youth of the community. In the 22 years since its inception, the YAB has offered input on city issues and also provided activities and programs that enhance the lives of young people in Oak Ridge, the press release said.

YAB meetings are held twice per month on Wednesday afternoons at the Oak Ridge Civic Center and are open to the public. Board members serve a one-year term of office and must reapply in May of each year. If you have questions about the City YAB, contact Matt Reedy at (865) 425-3442 or visit the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department website at www.orrecparks.org.

Pictured in the picture above from left, in the back row, are Jared Galloway, Peter Magill, Joel Turner, Ryan Mihealsick, Wesley Robinson, Kelsey Warmbrod, and Abby Douglas. In the front from left are Riley Mosby, Caroline Bradshaw, Lauren Collier, Shichen Zhang, Laura Skipper, Ashley Riedy, Shelby Chambers, Shane Harris, Koren Foglesanger, and Candace Pang. Not pictured are Ricky Goyette and Lewis Wang.