Molly Shore
Sara Grigoleit, a seventh-grader at Jordan Middle School, is
already planning her future. To achieve the goals she has set for
herself, Sara, 12, plans to become immersed in school and community
activities.
When she heard about openings on the city's Youth Board, Sara knew
she wanted to participate.
"I am actually thinking about college," she said. "Last year I
wasn't involved in school, so this year I'm very involved."
Teri Stein, deputy director of Parks, Recreation and Community
Service, said the Youth Board -- whose membership includes middle
school students to those as old as 21 -- meets on the first Wednesday
of each month during the school year.
"They have taken an active role in looking at what's happening in
the community," Stein said.
In the past, the Youth Board has organized the annual youth and
child-care expo, the Easter egg hunt at Johnny Carson Park and the
preparation of holiday baskets for local needy families. The group
made plans Wednesday to continue the holiday basket program.
The board was created in 1973, Stein said. Although it does not
have a mission statement, one of the board's main objectives is to
increase communication between youth and city government, she said.
Jenna Wilcox, 18, represented Burbank High School last year when
she was a senior. Now a Cal State Northridge freshman, Wilcox
returned this year as a member at large, and was elected president at
the board's first meeting Wednesday.
Wilcox was seated next to new board member Gladys Sarabia, 16, a
junior who is filling the Burbank High School slot Wilcox held last
year.
"I wanted to take part to show that youth is interested in public
affairs," Gladys said.
As a board member, Gladys said she hopes to get her classmates at
Burbank High involved in the various community projects throughout
the year.
