Jacksonville Youth Council swears in new officers and lays out events calendar

Riley Hayes, newly sworn in as chair of the Jacksonville Youth Council, and other student officers were installed at the council’s meeting, where members also reviewed a calendar of upcoming events and community programs.

The oath of office was administered by City Clerk Rose Marshburn as officers placed their hands on a Bible and recited the pledge to "support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States and of North Carolina" and to "faithfully discharge the duties of my office." After the ceremony, Hayes introduced himself to the council as chair and encouraged students to share ideas and get involved.

The council discussed logistics for a senior sendoff for the Class of 2026. Officers set a tentative date of June 3 for a Chill Zone event from 6 to 8 p.m. and asked members for suggestions on complementary activities. Members and attendees suggested separate weekend events (roller skating or bowling) to avoid conflicts with the school-night timing and proposed food trucks at some events.

City staff introduced the program support team. Tracy Jackson, director of Neighborhood Improvement Services, and Pamela Trafton, staff lead and senior Neighborhood Improvement Services coordinator, were listed as points of contact for the youth council; Pamela provided a contact phone number for follow-up. Clerk Rose Marshburn praised members for their service, saying their work is "very important to the youth and for your city and your community."

Why it matters: The installed officers will represent students from district schools and run monthly meetings that inform opportunities for volunteer hours, civic engagement and youth programming in Jacksonville. The council also schedules outreach to middle-school students to recruit future members.

Next steps: Officers said they will organize outreach and planning over the summer via a group chat and finalize senior sendoff details at upcoming meetings.