By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Mayor Arthur Vigeant has extended an open invitation to all Class of 2015 students from high schools throughout the city to apply for a position on the city's Youth Commission. At a conference held March 13 at Marlborough High School, the mayor also announced that he has revived the city-wide Youth Service Awards program which recognizes students that have made positive impacts and significant contributions to the community.
“I encourage you to help us see the things that are important to you and how we can help bring them about through the Youth Commission,” Vigeant said.
Also present for the announcement was Kelley French, acting chair of the Youth Commission, who elaborated on expectations of a board member.
“The group meets monthly in the evening and works hard at finding gaps in city services for youth and working together to provide what is needed,” she said.? The length of the appointment will last for one year from the date of appointment at which time two new members of the junior class will be appointed.
“We have also begun preliminary research on creating a drug and alcohol awareness program that we hope will be launched in the fall,” French added.
Applications are available at the mayor's office at City Hall and must be submitted by Monday, April 7. After a round of preliminary interviews, the two students
deemed best qualified to contribute will then be asked to appear before the City Council's Personnel Committee, following the same process for all appointments made by the mayor.
The mission of the Marlborough Youth Commission is to enhance the quality of life for city youth through:? an ongoing assessment of needs, evaluation of programs provided by the city, private sector and nonprofit organizations, and recommendations, regarding changes in programming designed to better meet the needs of the city's youth.
Currently serving on the commission are Pascal Chesnais, Mike Gibson, and Steve Zepf. Among those who have served in the past are outgoing chair Patty Zilembo, Peggy Ayres, MaryLou Vanzini, Brent ?De Braga, and Police Officer Tony Evangelous.? Both programs were organized under the city's Human Services Department, managed by Rosalind Baker. That department was eliminated several years ago.
The deadline to submit nominations for the Youth Service Award is Friday, April 18.? Marlborough students in grades 7 through 12 who have made positive impacts and significant contributions to the community through good citizenship, volunteerism, civic engagement and leadership are eligible.? Nomination forms are available at the mayor's office.
