Clearfield City Council honors two outgoing youth commissioners

Clearfield City Council on Tuesday presented certificates and commendations to Ian Barlow and Jaylee Ballas for their service on the Clearfield City Youth Commission as both prepare to leave for college and other commitments.

The recognition matters because Barlow and Ballas served multiple years on the commission, represented Clearfield in out-of-state delegations and, in Ballas’s case, served concurrently on the Clearfield Planning Commission — experience city officials said builds civic knowledge among youth.

Mayor Pro Tem Worth and youth commission adviser Jenna Nelson led the remarks. Nelson read letters of recognition from state legislators, including one she attributed to Representative Carrie Ann Lisenby, that praised Barlow’s four years on the commission, his work as chair and vice chair, travel to Washington, D.C., and academic achievements. Nelson read a separate legislative commendation congratulating Ballas on service as vice chair and treasurer and noting her appointment as a voting member of the Clearfield Planning Commission and her acceptance to MIT.

Both youth commissioners offered brief remarks about their experience. Ian Barlow encouraged incoming youth to “get the most out of this that you can,” and Jaylee Ballas described serving on the planning commission as a formative learning experience.

The council presented certificates and a gift basket and invited families for a group photo. The presentations were ceremonial; no council vote or formal ordinance accompanied the recognition.