Bountiful Youth Council readies pumpkin patch; city honors local student Max Vol for lead role in Broadway-bound musical

Members of the Bountiful City Youth Council briefed the City Council on recent service projects and upcoming fall activities, and the council paused the regular agenda to honor a local student bound for a national theater stage.

Stephen Theory, who serves as the Bountiful City Youth Council (BCYC) city manager, and other BCYC members reported a recent graffiti cleanup and announced the council’s annual pumpkin patch on Oct. 25 at North Canyon Park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The BCYC invited families to bring children for seasonal activities, and members thanked Parks staff and volunteers for support.

Council members also publicly recognized Max Vol, a senior at Legacy Prep and the BCYC city manager, who recently was selected for the lead role of Auggie in the stage musical adaptation of the best-selling novel Wonder. Council members, led by Council member Child and Mayor Kendall, presented a certificate of recognition and praised Max’s leadership in the youth council and his theater work. The council noted Max’s past participation in local musical productions and the support his family and the community have provided over the years.

“I don’t know. It’s a big honor to be here,” Max said at the podium when introduced. His mother, Jeannie Vol, told the council the family has been embraced by the Bountiful community during years of medical care and surgery for their children and expressed appreciation for local neighbors and volunteers.

The council noted the show will workshop in New York and open in a world-premiere run at American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this November, with rehearsals beginning in late October. Council members invited the family to return and share updates with the community.

Why it matters: The Youth Council’s projects involve community service and family-focused events; honoring a local resident for a national cultural accomplishment highlights community support for youth arts and civic engagement.

What’s next: The Youth Council’s pumpkin patch is scheduled for Oct. 25 at North Canyon Park, and the city will file the formal certificate recognizing Max with the city clerk’s office.