Junior Council Person Program
The Junior Council Person Program provides an opportunity for high school students to participate in local government and serve as a link between the municipal officials and the student’s peers at the high school.
At the September 18, 2024, Lower Saucon Township Council meeting, seven students were introduced and presented as participants in the Township's Junior Council Person Program.
The Junior Council Person Program offers high school students a unique chance to engage with local government. By participating, students can learn about the municipal process, attend meetings, and serve as a bridge between elected officials and their fellow students. It’s an excellent opportunity for students interested in government, public service, or community involvement.
The Council designated the following students for the respective assignments:
Township Council
Zachary Banonis, Junior at Saucon Valley High School
Nitya Thakkar, Junior at Saucon Valley High School
Samuel VanNorman, Junior at Saucon Valley High School (not pictured)
Parks and Recreation Board
Cole Hubert, Senior at Saucon Valley High School
Noah Hubert, Sophomore at Saucon Valley High School
Violet Whitley, Junior at Saucon Valley High School
Environmental Advisory Council
Harrison Vicic, Senior at Moravian Academy (not pictured)
The Township expresses its gratitude for the interest these seven students have shown in local government and is eager to see their involvement and contributions throughout the coming year.
Background
Wesleyville Borough was the first to establish the program in 1999. Since then, other Boroughs and Townships have followed suit to develop their own Junior Council Person Program.
The Junior Council Person Program is an outstanding opportunity to get the youth of the Boroughs and Townships to participate in the governing process of their own community. The outreach of both the community to the youth and the youth to the community is the start of building our municipalities toward the future.
Lower Saucon Township's program began with the 2002-2003 school year and has been growing ever since.
Purpose
The Junior Council Person Program provides youth in our community with an opportunity to engage in Township government and develop leadership skills. It also allows Township Officials to serve as mentors to students who will be future leaders in their communities.
The program allows students the opportunity to learn critical skills including team building and collaboration, public speaking, public engagement, budgeting and running effective meetings. It also allows the student the opportunity to deliberate on issues that are affecting his or her community.
