Pasadena High School’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) has had a long history of encouraging students to commit to community service going as far back as 1924.That tradition still continues for the PHS Eagles.
During the 2020-2021 school year, the student organization met weekly to discuss the needs of the surrounding community and potential service projects. This year, the students volunteered for campus activities such as the PHS Pep Squad, as well as the Houston Food Bank, where YAC members sorted and distributed food to those in need.
“This is a community-driven program,”said Patricia Goodman, Pasadena High School assistant principal and YAC sponsor. “The students ask themselves, ‘What is the need in our community?’ And then they find ways to get involved.”
The group’s largest service project for the year was the creation of a drunk driving awareness video they produced in collaboration with local law enforcement. The video, which will be presented at an upcoming town hall, warns teenagers of the dangers of driving under the influence. As a reward for their service project, YAC members were gifted with driver’s education courses.
“If these students see a need in their community, they step up and do something about it,” said Goodman.
The group plans to continue its work with the Houston Food Bank this summer and they will sort and distribute food at De Zavala Middle School.
“They’re really good kids and they always try to help in the community,” said Goodman. “I’m very proud of them and their accomplishments.”