Council honors Northeast Vocational students; youth commission invites public to Youth Rise Festival

Councilor Kelly Garcia and school representative Blanca brought students from Northeast Vocational High School to the April 28 council meeting for a recognition ceremony. The council suspended rules to allow students to receive certificates on the chamber floor; Blanca described the students as “part of Chelsea” and highlighted varsity and JV athletes and student work from trades programs. The council asked members to join students for a group photograph. Councilor Brown and Councilor Sandigate offered congratulations on behalf of the council and described a recent visit to the school in which culinary and graphic design students hosted Chelsea day.

Blanca announced Steven Romero as Northeast Vocational Student of the Year and the council applauded the group.

During the public‑speaking portion, Dario Medina, a 16‑year‑old junior and member of the Chelsea Youth Commission, invited the council and public to the Youth Rise Festival on May 3 from 1–4 p.m., describing internships, professional opportunities, free food, music, street art and community building activities for Chelsea youth.

Why this matters: The council used the meeting to spotlight vocational education and youth engagement; the Youth Rise Festival is an organized youth event intended to increase student connections to internships and community opportunities.

Provenance: The presentation and student recognition began during memorials and celebratory resolutions; youth commission public comment occurred in the public speaking segment.