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Virginia Beach students describe joining city advisory committees, urge more youth participation
Summary
High-school student Sadie Mixer and other student members told the Virginia Beach City Council on June 10 that student seats on city-appointed advisory committees give young people a consistent voice in local decisions and help prepare them for future leadership.
Sadie Mixer, a graduating senior who serves as a student member on a city-appointed advisory committee, told the Virginia Beach City Council on June 10 that participating on advisory committees “gave me the ability to contribute directly to our city's discussions and decisions.”
Mixer presented a short video showing student members’ work and said the positions connect students with city processes and community leaders. “It has helped me foster connections with people involved in city work, and it has inspired me to create the video that I am presenting you today,” she said.
The presentation, given during a special formal session called by the mayor, highlighted that more than 30 student member positions exist across boards and commissions. Student members and city officials said the program began incrementally — a single student slot on the public library board in 1992 — and that a 2020 City Council resolution encouraged more youth opportunities on advisory bodies.
Student speaker Aubrey Moore, who said she serves on the Baffin Advisory Commission, described helping create a student subcommittee for her board and said the role “ensures that students are heard at every meeting.” Students also described projects ranging from public art and trail mapping to presentations back to their schools.
Council members and staff praised the student presenters and asked several students to say a few words about their experiences. City leaders noted the value of sustained student involvement, saying it gives younger residents continuing access to local governance beyond occasional public hearings.
The council did not take formal action on the presentations. Several council members encouraged the students to remain engaged and suggested student members consider future service on boards and in city roles.
Mixer closed by thanking Virginia Beach and local educators; the mayor and multiple council members applauded the students and invited them to continue participating in city affairs.
