WHS Students Launch Wenatchee's First Junior City Council

Nine WHS students have been selected to serve on Wenatchee's first-ever Junior City Council—a student-led initiative that will give young people a voice in local governance.

The idea began when WHS junior Luisanna Esquivel asked City Council member Charlie Atkinson how students could get more involved in the community. Atkinson introduced her to the concept of a Junior City Council, modeled after a successful program in Auburn, Washington.

Luisanna and fellow junior Alex Reeg connected with Auburn's JCC, developed a proposal for Wenatchee, and presented it to the City Council in July. The council unanimously approved an ordinance establishing the Wenatchee Junior City Council.

"Without Luisanna and Alex, we would not have pursued this," Atkinson said.

The JCC will advise the city on youth-related aspects of all city functions, including parks, public safety, community development, and more. Students will gain hands-on experience in municipal government, policy-making, and civic leadership.

Congratulations to the selected members:

Voting Members:

• Luisanna Esquivel (12)
• Alexander Reeg (12)
• Jessie Evans (11)
• Betzy Espinoza (10)
• Isabella Garcia (11)
• Marina Esquivel Garibay (12)
• Anais Velazquez (11)

Alternates:

• Brayah Maughan (10)
• Xiyun Tang (9)

WHS is grateful to the Wenatchee City Council, the mayor, and the city administrator for supporting this opportunity for students to engage with our community.