Eighteen OKC high school students took office Tuesday as members of the 2017-18 Youth Council, kicking off nine months of hands-on education in public service.

Each of Oklahoma City’s eight wards has two representatives, and they’re joined by two at-large representatives. Each Youth Council member was introduced during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

The Youth Council will work with each other, their Council member and City staff to learn about the challenges and successes of municipal government. The Youth Council will also take part in addressing issues affecting OKC’s youth in a series of meetings, seminars and more.

The Youth Council members participated in an application and interview process requiring a GPA of at least 3.0, a letter of recommendation and a demonstrated interest in government and community service.

Applications for next year’s Youth Council will be available in early 2018.

The Youth Council is sponsored by the City of Oklahoma City and is jointly administered with the Youth Leadership Exchange of Leadership Oklahoma City. Rick Cain and Joyce Henderson are program co-chairs.

This year’s Youth Council members are:

• John Ryan Cook (at-large), Carl Albert High School junior
• Anna Buckley (at-large), Casady School junior
• Karol Montoya (Ward 1), Western Heights High School senior
• Rose Nguyen (Ward 1), Western Heights High School junior
• Ja’Angela Bibbs (Ward 2), Northeast Academy junior
• Jacob Lange (Ward 2), Harding Charter Preparatory High School senior
• Jesus Ibañez (Ward 3), Putnam City West High School senior
• Oscar Larios (Ward 3), Santa Fe South High School senior
• Jayke Flaggert (Ward 4), Choctaw High School junior
• Kaitlyn McClary (Ward 4), Crooked Oak High School senior
• Cristina Delgado (Ward 5), ASTEC Charter High School junior
• Mariano Gonzalez Jr. (Ward 5), Dove Science Academy senior
• Miguel Payan (Ward 6), ASTEC Charter High School senior
• Ofelia Avila (Ward 6), Southeast High School senior
• Chase Coleman (Ward 7), Millwood High School junior
• Alina Wilson (Ward 7), Heritage Hall High School junior
• Erica Browne (Ward 8), Mount St. Mary High School senior
• Josephine Nwankwo (Ward 8), Putnam City North High School senior

 # # #

• Follow the City of Oklahoma City on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and more.
• Sign up for City of OKC news emails.
• Watch City Channel 20 on Cox Cable or live anywhere on YouTube.
• Download the OKC Connect smartphone app for Apple or Android.

Media Contact
Kristy Yager
(405) 297-2550 / (405) 863-2831
kristy.yager@okc.gov