MORAGA, Calif. — The Moraga Town Council on Sept. 10 appointed 21 students to the Moraga Youth Involvement Committee for the 2025–26 term and administered the oath of office to those present.

Jasmine Bateson, recreation manager and staff advisor to the committee, said the town received 34 applications and recommended 21 voting members; 11 of the recommended appointees are returning members. Bateson told the council the committee is open to students in grades 7–12 to learn about civic engagement, advise on youth needs and volunteer in the community.

Bateson read the list of recommended appointees into the record: Bridal Bronson, Zayden Bronson, Finley Cattell, Alana Chu, Ellie Cook, Vivian Dunn, Olivia Ng, Isabella Fung, Axel Harkavy, Kayla Ipp, Sophie Lou, William Ma, Max Martinez D'Haas, Alex Martinez D'Haas, Haley Plantinga, Julian Popov, Ria Shah, Zaheen Shah, Krish Srivastava, Laura Wolinski and Caitlin Yee.

Several committee members addressed the council. Ria Shah, a junior at Campolindo High School, said serving on the committee taught her leadership and confidence and that she planned to support mental health awareness this year. Alex Martinez de Haas, a freshman at Campolindo High School, said he looked forward to volunteering and learning about municipal issues.

Council members noted the committee's past activities, including volunteer events such as the tree-lighting ceremony, holiday events and collaborative activities with neighboring youth committees. One council member asked how many applicants were returnees; staff said 11 are returning.

Council members also noted that the committee will address administrative items tomorrow, including bylaws, officer elections, goals and a Brown Act review. The council moved, seconded and approved the appointments unanimously, then the clerk administered the oath of office to members present.