Kenosha County recognizes outgoing Youth & Governance members and swears in incoming cohort

Camille Carlson, Positive Youth Development Educator with Extension Kenosha County, introduced the outgoing Youth & Governance members, described the program’s purpose and noted that “we’ve had more than 300 youth participate in Youth and Governance since the start of the program in 02/2007.” Carlson also described a student‑led handbook review that the committee approved in March.

Outgoing student speakers Claire Cook, JJ Castro and Aqsa Saad Qadri each spoke about their experiences in the program and encouraged the incoming cohort to participate actively. Claire Cook said the program helped her secure a paid internship: “This incredible opportunity would not be possible without the youth and governance program.” JJ Castro urged incoming members to “use your voice” and to ask questions. Aqsa Saad Qadri thanked mentors and supervisors and said the program improved her public speaking and leadership skills.

County Clerk Reggie Walagora administered the oath of office to the incoming 2025–26 Youth & Governance cohort. The meeting record lists the outgoing participants by name (including JJ Castro, Claire Cook, Aqsa Saad Qadri and others) and the incoming cohort (which the clerk swore in by name at the meeting). The board recognized mentors and thanked the Planning, Development and Extension Education Committee for conducting interviews and setting program guidelines.

The program was described in the meeting as the county’s twentieth Youth & Governance cohort and as a countywide civic‑education initiative that pairs youth with supervisors and committees for a year of meetings and projects.