Highlands Youth Advisory Board

Each spring, HY board members are selected through a rigorous application and interview process to fill 12 middle school and 12 high school spots for the following school year. HY board members must reapply to the board annually, although past contributions are taken into consideration during the application process.

The HY board is divided between middle school and high school students. Each group is mentored by Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council community program manager and acting director, who is assisted by community volunteers. Most activities are separated by and appropriate for the age and maturity of the members. Some activities and service projects are joint endeavors, such as the Highlands Day festival, Parents Night Out events, and community art projects.

Middle school HY board members plan social and service project events for middle school peers and elementary-age students, learning event planning and social hosting skills. HY middle school members act as role models for elementary students and high school HY members mentor middle school members. 

High school HY board members focus on leadership and life skills development for themselves and their peers in the community. In addition to monthly planning meetings and special events, HY board high school members will rotate attendance of community organization board and committee meetings to develop a sense of community priorities and how they can use their voices in support of, or to impact change, in Issaquah Highlands and areas of their personal passions. HY board high school members are expected to attend community-wide town hall meetings and represent the youth of Issaquah Highlands at city council meetings when agenda items directly impact the quality of life in the Issaquah Highlands community.