Gov. Heineman Meets with Members of Governor’s Youth Advisory Council

(Grand Island, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman today visited with members of the Governor’s Youth Advisory Council following a meeting held in Grand Island. The group exists to provide a forum for high school students to discuss issues and legislation impacting young people.

“I want to applaud the interest these young people have taken in civic issues,” Gov. Heineman said. “These are some of the future leaders of our state. These young people are examples of the tremendous resources we have in our state. I want to encourage more young people to be involved in public service.”

The Governor’s Youth Advisory Council is one way to encourage young people to become actively involved in their communities and weigh in on state issues.

Created in 1993, the 25 member group consists of young people ages 14 to 19 from across the state. The council was started to provide a forum for high school students to be informed and discuss issues impacting young people. Members meet quarterly to review pending legislation and discuss topics ranging from education, finance, careers and employment opportunities, recreation, health, foster care, and drug and alcohol abuse.

Current council members include:

Christopher Creveling, 18, Shay Delaney, 16, Abby Gibbs, 18, Rylee Hall, 18, Eric Hinz, 17, all of Lincoln; Maya Doghman, 18, Luke Hawbaker, 17, Suresh Pavuluri, 17, Claire Schlessinger, 17, all of Omaha; Kara Brostrom , 17, Audrey Lutz , 17, Ben Robbins, 19, Sam Schneider, 18, and Tyler White, 18, all of Grand Island;
Bergan Carr, 18, Emily Sallach, 18, both of O’Neill; Amanda Miller, 17, Ellen Ridder, 16, both from Callaway;
Becky Wiedel, 18, of Belvidere; Kaylahree Mayfield, 19, of Gibbon; Jaime Kreager, 18, of Hastings; Christina Rice, 17, of Kearney; Catherine McQuillan, 17, from Ogallala; and Ryan Crnkovich, 17, of Papillion.