High School graduates Bailey Bates of East Ridge High School and Emma Gaskins of Lake Minneola High School are leaving the Clermont Youth Council and heading to college. Both received Youth Council Recognition and a grateful thank you from Council Members at the July 9 Council meeting. Councilman Ray Goodgame proudly stated, “The Youth Council has done a remarkable job. They have brought new ideas to the Council. We thank both Bailey and Emma for their service”.
About Clermont Youth Council: Last September, the City of Clermont announced the launch of its new youth council, an ongoing program aimed at giving south Lake County high school students an opportunity to learn more about city government and an up-close look at many of the city departments. Ten students were chosen for the program: five from South Lake High School, three from Lake Minneola High School and two from East Ridge High School. Tracy Ackroyd Howe, Clermont City Clerk, became the program sponsor.
The student participants meet for six months to learn about the city, after which time they have an opportunity to collaborate to create a project that they feel will benefit the departments and/or the community. In February, the students presented their recommended project to City Council: Tiny Homes...a new affordable housing project. In April, the Youth Council also visited with State Legislators in Tallahassee.
It is Howe’s hope that the program will inspire students to contribute and give back to the community and, perhaps, pursue careers in public administration. Her hope is becoming a reality: Bailey is heading to Holy Cross to pursue a degree in Political Science. Emma will be attending FSU to pursue a degree in Law.
Members of the Clermont Youth Council serve two terms. The next program is planned to begin in Fall 2020.
Below are the names of the Youth Council Members:
Bailey Bates, Luis Mustafa, Megan Yurchick. Aaron Curlee, Kristopher Ganesh, Tyler Irby, Mary Landaberde, Kaylee Sakur. Emma Gaskins, Camille Eldridge,
