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The LaGrange Youth Council is accepting applications for the next round of high school juniors and seniors who want to serve their community.

The youth council seems like the perfect opportunity for young students to understand how city government works while also bolstering their college applications.

However, this isn’t just a social club for high school students to hang out and pretend they are making a difference. These students are forming committees, raising money and getting involved with the community to make their impact felt.

Take last year for example. Representatives with the LaGrange Youth Council wanted to learn how they could make a difference when it came to mental health issues. Instead of waiting for something to happen, members of the council began researching on their own, including going to mental health court in LaGrange and then hosting an event to raise money for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of West Georgia.

This year, there are plans for more events, including a pet parade, leaving inspiration signs and rocks around LaGrange to inspire residents and building a community garden by teaming up with Piney Woods Farms.

Outside of the benefits we see in the community, there are also intrinsic values for these students.

Emma Strickland, who is the council’s current chairperson, said the council pushed her to be more involved with the community.

“I would have never been able to probably do half the things I’ve done here,” she said. “I’ve wanted to be in leadership roles, and being a part of this, I’ve been able to actually do things to make a difference in my community.”

We encourage other students to get involved in a similar way. Applications are due by March 20 and most get an interview. Just remember the interview process is important and should be treated like any other interview. 

We hope many students apply for the council and make it hard for the LaGrange City Council to choose who will serve.