Celebrating a Year of Growth & Community Building with the HY Board
For over a decade, the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board has been empowering middle and high school students to make a real impact in the Issaquah Highlands community.
The HY Board works with Highlands Council to unify youth through fun and meaningful social experiences by planning and implementing inclusive events, programs and initiatives in our community.
New this past year, the board introduced Teen Workshops for all middle and high school students in the community. Each month, the hour-long workshops encouraged youth to connect and learn topics that aren’t always taught in school such as civic engagement, emergency preparedness, tips for managing finances and more.
In January, eight teens on the board were recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for going above and beyond to build community in 2024. This award allows certifying organizations—like Highlands Council—to recognize their most exceptional volunteers based on service over 12 months.
Altogether this school year, the board has recorded over 1,000 hours of volunteer service in Issaquah Highlands. Our dedicated teens were able to accomplish the following:
- The HY Board played a valuable role in our summer Global Grub & Groove series, both in planning and working at the events.
- Over the summer, teens hosted two High School Hangouts for 9-12th graders to meet up ahead of the new school year.
- Members planned and implemented another successful Treats & Tails event for all ages.
- The board supported holiday programming such as Santa Letters and Parents Night Out for younger members of the community.
- HY members hosted the Big Game Watch Party for the third year in a row, featuring activities and games for all age groups.
- The board is currently organizing its annual Middle School Flashlight Egg Hunt on April 4, followed by Cram for Exams on May 4.
- Teens contributed articles for Community Connect magazine as well as our monthly Youth E-News.
- HY members volunteered at a variety of community events, including our Community Tree Lighting, New Neighbor Socials, Open Mic Nights, Village Market Pop-Ups, various gallery receptions and so much more.
Empower, Connect, Lead: Apply for the HY Board by April 27
The HY Board is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 school year. Ideal candidates are motivated, passionate, creative and dedicated to making our community better. Candidates must live in Issaquah Highlands and enter 7–12th grade in fall 2025. Attendance at monthly meetings, as well as planned events and other opportunities for involvement, is a requirement for all applicants.
The deadline to submit your application and references is April 27. Top applicants will be invited to a personal interview for final consideration. APPLY HERE >>
If you are a middle or high school student looking for volunteer hours to fulfill requirements, it’s not necessary to join the HY Board to get involved in our community. Please fill out the volunteer form online or subscribe to our Youth E-News to find available opportunities.
Be sure to follow the HY Board on Facebook and Instagram. Check issaquahhighlands.com/highlands-youth for future HY Board news and events.
Lindsey Pinkston is the Highlands Council Executive Director and a Wisteria Park resident.
