Placement: Consent
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Recommendation for Appointment to Serve on the City of Port St. Lucie Youth Council.
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Submitted By: Stephanie Vernot, Community Engagement Manager, Communications Department
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a Smart & Connected City.
Executive Summary (General Business): Established in 2023, the City of Port St. Lucie Youth Council has served as a fact-finding board since December of that year. Members are high school students in grades 9 through 12 who reside within the City. Appointed by the Mayor, members and governing board positions serve a one (1) year term.
To help promote collaboration and active involvement, two (2) standing subcommittees will continue to focus on Youth & Teen Engagement and High-Performing Public Spaces. This model ensures meaningful contributions from all members throughout the year.
On June 13, 2025, the application process for the upcoming year concluded. Of the current Youth Council members, nearly 50% reapplied (totaling 22), and 17 new applications were received. This brings the total number of Youth Council members for the 2025-2026 term to 39.
The Youth Council board will also see an increase in leadership responsibilities. The primary officer roles may include chair, vice chair, chair pro Tem, committee chair(s), and secretary -will guide the Council's work, with additional duties assigned to the Pro Tem, including fostering a meaningful virtual experience for online Youth Council members during monthly meetings. Each subcommittee will also appoint its own chairperson to ensure progress toward committee goals and teamwork.
To kick off the new term, the 2nd Annual Youth Council Leadership Summit will be held on Saturday, September 13th. This gathering will bring together Youth Council members, their guardians, community partners and city leaders to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another in an inspiring and engaging environment.
This item serves to do the following subject to the City Council’s advice and consent: Appoint the 39 nominees listed below as regular members of the City of Port St. Lucie Youth Council:
Returning Members
• Alexis Allen, 11th grade at Port St. Lucie High School
• Tahisha Aristene, 11th grade at Saint Lucie West Centennial High School
• Tenea Andre, 10th at Westwood High School
• Ishita Bansal, 12th grade at St. Andrews School in Boca
• Emari Bas, 12th grade at Lincoln Park Academy
• Eden Castro, 11th grade at Lincoln Park Academy
• Ivy Cunningham, 11th grade at Homeschool/ Olivet
• Amara Furniss, 12th grade at Lincoln Park Academy
• Ivy Golden, 11th grade at St. Lucie West Centennial High School
• Asia Green, 12th grade at Treasure Coast High School
• Jolie Klepper, 11th grade at St Lucie West Centennial High School
• Guillermo Matos, 11th grade at Somerset College Prep
• Kendall Mercurio 10th grade at Florida Virtual School
• Lela Morgan, 10th grade at Homeschool
• Abigail Pruitt, 12th grade at Florida Virtual School
• Daniela Rosario, 12th grade at Lincoln Park Academy
• Enrique Rosario, 12th grade at Port St. Lucie High School
• Gabriella Smith,11th grade at Lincoln Park Academy
• Gabrielle Thomas, 12th grade at Treasure Coast High School
• Angelyka Valdez, 11th grade at Lincoln Park Academy
• Summer Wayne, 11th grade at St. Lucie West Centennial High School
• Victoria Zaravelis, 12th grade at Somerset College Preparatory Academy
New Members
• Shylah Alexander, 11th grade at Lincoln Park Academy
• Judith Arellano, 12th grade at Treasure Coast High School
• Alexa Avalos, 11th grade at Treasure Coast High School
• Aviraj Bansal, 10th grade at Florida Virtual School
• Amanda Elvir-Blanco, 12th grade at Tradition Preparatory High School
• Madison Coloso, 12th grade at Lincoln Park Academy
• Nabria Darville, 12th grade at St. Lucie West Centennial High School
• Grace DellaGuardia, 9th grade at Somerset College Preparatory Academy
• Diana, Dorvilus, 12th grade at St. Lucie West Centennial High School
• Jayoni Jenkins, 12th grade at Port St. Lucie High School
• Ayana Marc, 11th grade at Somerset College Preparatory Academy
• Samiyah Porter, 12th grade at Ft. Pierce Central
• Joshua Santel, 10th grade at Tradition Preparatory High School
• Maliha Shareef, 10th grade at Treasure Coast High School
• Roslyn Tran, 10th at Westwood High School
• Moses Vargas, 12th grade at St. Lucie West Centennial High School
• Andrew Witz-Schaffer, 10th grade at St. Lucie West Centennial High School
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council appoint the 39 members to the Youth Council.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council not appoint and provide staff with direction.
Issues/Analysis: N/A
Financial Information: N/A
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments:
1. Nominations to Port St. Lucie Youth Council, 8.2025
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.