Empowering Youth Through Inclusive Events and Meaningful Connections
Established over a decade ago, the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board is composed of middle and high school students who assist with community building efforts across Issaquah Highlands. Members work with Highlands Council to provide youth with a voice in community matters.
The HY Board aims to unify youth through fun and meaningful social experiences by planning and implementing inclusive events, programs and initiatives in our community.
Despite cuts to our funding, HY members stepped up to ensure quality events could still happen throughout the 2023–24 school year. The board was able to accomplish the following:
• The HY Board played a valuable role in our Global Grub & Groove series, both in planning and working at the events. In fact, several members helped to emcee the various celebrations last summer.
• Members planned and implemented two successful Halloween events for various age groups: Treats & Tails and the Middle School Halloween Party.
• The board supported holiday programming such as Santa Letters and Parents Night Out for younger members of the community.
• A committee of HY members hosted The Big Game Watch Party for the second year in a row, featuring activities and games for all age groups.
• Ahead of Easter, the board organized the annual Middle School Flashlight Egg Hunt, making necessary adjustments as a result of feedback from previous years.
• Teens contributed articles and photo stories for Connections as well as our monthly Youth E-News.
• HY members volunteered at a variety of community events, including our “Step into Art at the Staircase” event, the Veteran’s Day Open House, several gallery receptions, a film screening of “Join or Die,” The Village Market Pop-Ups and so much more.
• Members planned and implemented two successful Halloween events for various age groups: Treats & Tails and the Middle School Halloween Party.
• The board supported holiday programming such as Santa Letters and Parents Night Out for younger members of the community.
• A committee of HY members hosted The Big Game Watch Party for the second year in a row, featuring activities and games for all age groups.
• Ahead of Easter, the board organized the annual Middle School Flashlight Egg Hunt, making necessary adjustments as a result of feedback from previous years.
• Teens contributed articles and photo stories for Connections as well as our monthly Youth E-News.
• HY members volunteered at a variety of community events, including our “Step into Art at the Staircase” event, the Veteran’s Day Open House, several gallery receptions, a film screening of “Join or Die,” The Village Market Pop-Ups and so much more.
Apply Now! Application Closes April 30
The HY Board is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year. Ideal candidates are motivated, passionate, creative and dedicated to making our community better. Candidates must live in Issaquah Highlands and enter seventh through 12th grade in fall 2024. 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 is April 30. Top applicants will be invited to a personal interview for final consideration. Interested candidates can learn more and apply here.
If you are a middle or high school student looking for volunteer hours to fulfil 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 check issaquahhighlands.com/events for future HY Board news and events.
Lindsey Pinkston is the Highlands Council Executive Director and a Wisteria Park resident.
