TEMPLE TERRACE - Mayor Mel Jurado recently introduced the inaugural class of the Mayor's Youth Leadership Council: 13 students from area high schools who will serve as city ambassadors at various functions, participate in a community service project and learn leadership skills.
Jurado described them as, "13 best of the best from our community,'' at the May 1 City Council meeting.
Council members and the audience applauded as the students lined up in front of the dais.
The youth council provides students with an opportunity to participate in civic, leadership, and community service programs to develop, nurture leadership abilities and develop a commitment to community service and lifelong civic responsibility.
Jurado, city public information officer Greg Pauley and marketing officer Laurie Hayes interviewed students from King High School, Wharton, Tampa Catholic, Middleton, Seffner Christian Academy and Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate.
In addition to the interviews, applicants were judged on coursework and grades, extracurricular activities, personal essays and reference recommendations.
The students will be in grades 10 through 12 in the upcoming school year. They will begin meeting as the Youth Leadership Council in August with activities planned through May 2019.
"It truly was a difficult task to select 13 students out of such a remarkable group,'' Jurado said in a news release. "All are to be applauded for their academic achievements and comportment. I am looking forward to great things from those who were selected,''
The mayor also announced that Tampa Electric Co. (TECO) has pledged $2,500 as the Mayor's Bronze level sponsor of the Youth Leadership Council. Jurado is seeking help from other businesses, including in-kind donations of goods, products and services in exchange for promotion and recognition. For more information, call Hayes at (813) 506-6406.