Lily Glenn
OHS sophomore, Lily Glenn, hopes that several Ottumwa students apply to be a part of the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council.
She was selected to fill a two-year term in the summer of 2019. The council has 21 members ages 14-21 years old. According to the council's website, "youth leaders are selected to represent all Iowa youth and engage in topics important to young Iowans. Concerns are drafted and shared with policy makers during the legislative session. SIYAC was originally established in 2001 by Governor Tom Vilsack as a way to inform legislators and policymakers on issues important to youth. In 2009, SIYAC was established in Iowa Code §216A.140(8) under the Department of Human Rights, Iowa Collaboration for Youth Development.
The opportunity has really opened her eyes to politics, she said. The has an opportunity to talk with legislators once a year and to see what goes on in the background of setting policy. "It is more work than just voting it in," she said.
"It's been a big eye opener," Glenn said. "I have grown as a student and a teenager growing into an adult. It helps with your communication skills." She plans to participate in student government in college. Glenn encourages students to submit an application. The deadline has been extended to June 30.
