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By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer 

HELENA – Parents and students gathered in the council chambers of Helena City Hall to welcome the newest members of the Helena Teen Council on Sunday, Aug. 25.

Comprised of high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, the mission of the Helena Teen Council is to encourage members to be active participants of the community, build civic knowledge and leadership skills and bridge the gap between the city’s youth and adults.

With 20 new members and nine returning members, the 2024-2025 Helena Teen Council is one of the largest yet.

According to City Council President Alice Lobell, who serves as the Teen Council sponsor, there is a limited number of spots on the Teen Council, but the students that applied were the best and brightest of Helena.

“The people who interviewed suggested that I go a little bit above my number because we had so many qualified people,” Lobell said.

From the volunteering at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, building the pumpkin house and hosting the annual Senior Citizens Dinner, members of the Helena Teen Council complete a variety of service projects throughout the city.

In addition to volunteer work, Teen Council members also attend every Helena City Council meeting on the second and fourth Mondays of every month.

“A lot of people hesitate out there, and they’re kind of afraid to walk in the (city council chambers),” Lobell said. “I think these kids are not afraid to go talk to the mayor or any of the council people. I think that’s a wonderful thing that they get to know the people in the city government.”

 

The new members of the Helena Teen Council include:

-Brock Berish

-Piper Boss

-Avery Cantley

-Nolan Farmer

-Bella George

-Chase Glawson

-Joshua Johnson

-Anna Kate Joseph

-Ava Cate McCombs

-Harper Morris

-Anna O’Shaughnessy

-Alyson Ragland

-Charlee Reid

-Chloe Sacks

-Ryan Spann

-Dylan Strickland

-Gabriel Two Bears

-Reese Unnoppet

-Anna Tyler Williams

-Connor Wright

 

The returning members to the Helena Teen Council include:

-Maycie Lewis

-Grayson Mayer

-Anjali Reed

-Kate Saylor

-Jarret Scott

-Kaden Vanderford

-Gavin Vansandt

-Lola Wade

-Brandon Williams.