In a recent government meeting, the city of Parkland proudly introduced its new \"Mayors for a Month\" program, aimed at empowering local youth in grades 6 through 12. The initiative encourages students to engage with city governance by allowing them to serve as honorary mayors for one month, providing a platform for leadership development and community involvement.

During the meeting, selected students shared their names, grades, and schools, showcasing a diverse group of young leaders. The participants included Vikram, a 12th grader from FAU High School; Blake Bitterman, a 9th grader from Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School; Ayush Gajrathi and Shivanshipathuk, both 9th and 7th graders from North Broward Prep and Westglades Middle School, respectively; Bianca Thakur, a 6th grader from Westglades; and Sam Kitt, an 11th grader from FAU High School.

Following their introductions, the students were sworn in, pledging to uphold the Constitution and the city’s charter. This ceremonial moment marked the beginning of their responsibilities, which include attending local events, engaging in discussions with the mayor and city commission, and participating in various activities throughout their term.

The program aims to foster a sense of civic responsibility among youth, providing them with the confidence and recognition needed to become active participants in their community. The city officials expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders. As the meeting concluded, the newly appointed mayors were encouraged to stay engaged and look forward to upcoming events and discussions.