By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The newest members of the Helena Teen Council program have been selected and were recognized at the Helena Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 19.

The ninth and tenth grade students are selected based on various criteria and those who become a part of the Helena Teen Council organization will be able to experience key government speakers with both local and state governments, learn what goes into running a city, organize beneficial projects, get their Give Me 5 hours, be with friends, start building a resume and become a stronger leader in the community.

The members must commit to attending two meetings on the second and fourth week of every month at 6 p.m. that includes a mock city council meeting.

“We’re really excited about the next group of students,” said Helena Councilwoman Cris Nelson. “This is the second year of the Helena Teen Council and we’re looking forward to all of the good things we’re going to be able to do this year.”

One of those things that the Teen Council got to do last year was to visit the state capital and where they were introduced to some important members of the Alabama government.

Both Nelson and Kylie Woodman, freshman at UAB and graduate of Helena High School help lead the organization.

Woodman discussed some of her responsibilities that she will have with the Helena Teen Council this year.

“Currently my job is to organize the ambassadors which are the tenured students who were part of the organization last year who have now moved up to being ambassadors,” said Woodman.” The ambassadors do a mixture of leading meetings, along with organizing the council.”

The newest members chosen for the Helena Teen Council are Madison Laney, Jack Bratina, Maddie Hollon, Kirsen Gardner, Arielle Howell, Morgan Jacobs, Jacob Bradford, Ashley Goggins, Kalynn Hall, Elisabeth Hulbert, Olivia Stone, Mary Margaret Getts and Lauren Caver.

The Helena Teen Council Ambassadors are Angel Sarris, Angela Knighting, Ashli Funches, Chris Adams, Natalie Blocker, Trinity Scazzaro and Josie Stafford.