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By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer 

HELENA – For any Helena teenagers looking to connect and serve in their community, applications to join the Helena Teen Council are open now through Friday, May 3.

The mission of the Helena Teen Council is to encourage members to be active young members of the community, build civic knowledge and leadership skills and bridge the link between the city’s youth and adults.

According to the Teen Council liaison, Helena City Councilmember Alice Lobell, the Teen Council truly lives up to its mission statement.

“I love our Teen Council,” Lobell said. “I am so proud of the Helena Teen Council and the positive impact they have in our wonderful city.”

One of the ways that the Teen Council seeks to fulfill its mission is through the annual Seniors-Teens Dinner. At this event, teen councilmembers volunteer to serve seniors in Helena. The teens and seniors discuss life experiences and get to know one another over a meal.

“I can’t think of a better way for two different generations to get to know each other,” Lobell said.

Current teen councilmember Jarret Scott shared that the Teen Council is a fun way to meet new people and personalities outside of school, while his fellow councilmember Cooper Tucker shared that it is a life changing experience.

“It has allowed me to grow myself and to learn how to navigate the world around me as I get older,” Tucker said. “For that, I will be forever grateful.”

Between volunteering hundreds of hours to help at city events, teen council members also attend all city council meetings to grow in their civic understanding and to stay informed on issues facing Helena and the city’s plans for the future.

Teen councilmember Trey Morris shared that he is especially grateful for the civic education he has received during council meetings.

“Teen Council has allowed me to see the complexities of our local government while also allowing me to build relationships with the people who help our city function properly,” Morris said. “It has impacted me in nothing but a positive and educational way.”

For those interested in joining the Teen Council, the application can be found at Cityofhelena.org/helena-teen-council. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, undergo an in-person interview and agree to abide by all the Helena Teen Council rules and guidelines.

All applications are due Friday, May 3. They can be emailed to Alice Lobell at alobell@cityofhelena.org. Application can also be mailed or dropped off at Helena City Hall at 816 Hwy 52E, Helena, AL 35080.

All posted mail should read, TEEN COUNCIL, attention: ALICE LOBELL. Mailed applications should be posted several days before the deadline.