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Editorial

On Sunday, Aug. 25, a total of 29 students were inducted into the Helena Teen Council for its 2024-2025 session. Including nine returning students and 20 that are entirely new to the program, this year’s Teen Council marks one of the largest iterations of the program yet.

This council, and other youth engagement organizations that are tied to our local municipal governments, not only provide their participants with an opportunity to partake in community service but they also serve as critically important educational experiences.

Students that take part in these programs receive unique and hands on experiences—experiences that build civic knowledge, hone leadership skills and help construct active and participatory members of the community.

Luckily, in Shelby County these types of organizations are both present in a number of our cities and ideas for their further establishment are gaining traction in others. Already, youth in our county can be seen as they eagerly compete for opportunities to partake in organizations like Helena’s Teen Council, Montevallo’s Junior City Council, Youth Leadership Shelby County and a collection of youth entrepreneur markets like the one planned for Pelham’s Fall-O-Ween Festival.

The value of such programs extends well beyond the individual experiences of the students. By allowing students to actively participate in local governance and community service, these young people learn how to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into their communities.

Their involvement in a host of areas, that can include festival planning, environmental initiatives, project organization and public awareness campaigns, not only help to enhance these efforts, but also serve to build invested members of the community that bridge the gap between generations and hopefully lead to the creation of the next generation’s leaders.

By engaging directly with adult organizers and community members, students gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of governance and the challenges facing their communities. They are given the chance to build connections with their neighbors and develop a sense of pride in their civic cooperation.

Through providing teenagers with opportunities to engage in civic life and community service, we are not only preparing them to be informed and responsible citizens but also enriching the fabric of our local communities. As these programs continue to grow and evolve, they hold the promise of a more engaged, dynamic, successful and collaborative future for all of us here, in Shelby County.