Pre-Meeting - Mesquite Youth Council Presentation

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

Youth Services Manager Sheridan Hodges introduced Mesquite Youth Council members Josie Caldwell, Mesquite High School Senior, and Berine Tazisong, Horn High School Senior, to provide the Mesquite Youth Council year-end presentation summarizing the Council's activities, accomplishments, and community involvement during the 2025-2026 term. The Youth Council includes fifteen high school students representing public, private and home schools each serving one-year terms. The Council meets monthly and is dedicated to fostering civic engagement through community initiatives, advisory input to City Council, and advocacy on behalf of Mesquite’s youth, providing a platform for students to share perspectives, address issues impacting their peers, and contribute to positive change in the community. Ms. Caldwell and Ms. Tazisong stated that during this year’s term, the Council participated in promoting youth resources and initiatives; developing leadership and problem-solving skills; job shadowing in various City departments; volunteer and community service projects; addressed challenges impacting their peers; provided a safe space for other teens to express themselves and their ideas; created programs that benefit the youth within the community; and conducted a mental health awareness campaign. Councilmembers praised Ms. Hodges and the Mesquite Youth Council for their many accomplishments this past year.