TAYLOR — Members of the largest Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council in the city’s history are planning a variety of events with their peers in mind.
The 23-member council consists of students from Harry S Truman and John F. Kennedy high schools and Trillium Academy, all in Taylor.
The group just finished staging an overnight “lock-in” at the Taylor Recreation Center that drew 200 seventh- through 12th-graders who played basketball, wallyball, racquetball and video games, sang karaoke, worked out and enjoyed performances by local bands.
The youth council will sponsor a video game tournament Feb. 21, at the Taylor Sportsplex, 13333 Telegraph Road. The event still is in the planning stages; details will be announced soon.
On March 29, a group of teenagers will attend the Detroit Pistons’ basketball game vs. the Philadelphia 76ers at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Tickets are on sale at the Parks and Recreation Office, 22805 Goddard Road. For $40, each teen will receive a ticket to the game, bus transportation, a Pistons duffel bag and the opportunity to sit in VIP seats as the home team warms up.
On April 24 the youth council will present the annual Battle of the Bands at the Heritage Park Activity Building. Organizers said last year’s battle was a huge success. Applications for bands interesting in performing in this year’s event begin March 1. For more information on the Battle of the Bands and other activities, call (734) 374-4033.
Youth Advisory Council members were recognized by Mayor Cameron Priebe and other elected officials during a recent City Council meeting. He praised the group for its efforts, saying members are making a difference in Taylor.
Students interested in participating on the Youth Advisory Council submit their names to Lora Dillingham of the city’s Department of Golf, Parks and Recreation. Dillingham, who has coordinated the youth council since its inception, and David Watkins serve as advisers to the group.
Members of the 2008-09 Youth Advisory Council include:
• From Truman High School: Seniors Gina Arnold, Matt Bailey, Krystal Elmore, Elizabeth Ivezcy, Kathryn Lipphard, Troy Pare, Ryan Smith and Lindsey Talley; junior Ryan Pykor; sophomores Macey Devoy and Chloe Talley; and freshmen Danielle Alchin, Megan Bonnici and Amanda Rauch.
• From Kennedy High School: Seniors Chris Hernandez, Matt Robbins and Amber Sharp; junior Josh Robbins; and freshman Kelsey Hernandez.
•From Trillium Academy: Junior Alexandra Ridley, sophomore John Laxton and freshmen Kylie Alred and Michael Parks.