An effort to involve motivated young people in Enumclaw city government kicked off earlier this month with Audrey Crumb and Emma Zahourek taking their seats as inaugural members of the Students On Council program.

Spearheaded by City Councilman Jan Molinaro, the effort was launched last fall with a call for student candidates. The program is for seventh- and eighth-graders at either Enumclaw Middle School or Thunder Mountain Middle School. Each will serve in the student seat for one academic quarter, concluding with the council meeting of March 27.

Each participated in a swearing-in ceremony, conducted by Mayor Liz Reynolds, before taking a seat at the beginning of the Jan. 9 council meeting.

Each student told the council of school-related community service – Audrey at High Point Village, Emma at the Plateau Outreach Ministries food bank – while emphasizing their appreciation for the opportunity to learn about city government.

Each will attend at least one council meeting per month, though attending both meetings is encouraged. The students will also choose at least one council committee meeting to attend.

Molinaro took time to recognize school staff members who took the program to the students. Amy Ihde and Karl Karkainen head the leadership programs at EMS and Thunder Mountain, respectively.

The next participation period, providing a Students On Council opportunity for two more middle-schoolers, will begin on April 10 and end June 12.

Emma Zahourek being sworn in by Mayor Liz Reynolds. Photo by Ray Still.