Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll Appoints Youth Commissioners
Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll today appointed seven youth members of the City’s new Youth Commission and four associate members. The seven full members will go before the City Council for confirmation later this month.
“I believe that all of these exceptional students will bring a wide variety of skills, interests, and ideas to this new commission, both the full members and the associate members,” said Mayor Driscoll. “We are fortunate that they are so committed to making Salem a better community for themselves, their peers, and all of us.”
The Salem Youth Commission will provide an advocacy and information platform for youth representatives to get more engaged in City issues, helping to recommend new programs and events, craft initiatives in partnerships with other City boards and departments, local non-profits, and businesses, and suggest ideas for new policies or regulations for the City to consider. The members will also help share news and information about important city projects and programs with the youth of the community. Finally, there will be opportunities for leadership development training through guest speakers, workshops, special programs, and more.
Nick Angeramo is a freshman at Salem High School and president of his class. An honor roll student at Collins Middle School, Nick has continued that academic achievement at Salem High School. He is part of the marching and jazz bands, sings with Witch Pitch?, plays on the golf team, and is involved in the theater arts. Nick has taught singing at the North Shore Idol summer camp and designed sound for dance productions at A Performing Arts Academy and the Greater Salem Ballet Company.
Ruby Cheresnowsky is a junior at the Salem Academy Charter School where she has played varsity soccer and basketball, participated in the LGBT Club, written for the lit magazine, and been part of the slam poetry group. She has volunteered for Cradles to Crayons and hopes to go on to a career in international aid and education, helping to improve communities around the globe that have suffered from conflicts and violence.
Jorge Gomez Frometa is a junior at Salem High School, where volunteers in an adult English language learners’ class and plays on the Salem High School baseball and soccer teams. In addition to being trilingual, Jorge is a skilled musician. After graduation, Jorge hopes to attend college before moving onto a career.
Aiyana Lilly is an 8th grader at the Salem Academy Charter School where she is on the Service Learning Youth Council and participates in Destination Imagination, cheerleading, and drama club. She has earned numerous awards at Salem Academy Charter School and is on the school honor roll. Aiyana is interested in a career as a medical device engineer, so she can help children with disabilities.
Jared Lubas is a junior at Salem High School, where he is a member of the National Honor Society, as well as a student athlete, playing on the Salem High School football, track, and tennis teams. Jared is president of the junior class at Salem High School and is a captain on the football team. After he graduates, Jared hopes to attend college and then pursue a career in business management.
Jacob McGrath is a YouthBuild pre-apprenticeship trainee with the North Shore CDC and earned his HiSET diploma in 2015. He has volunteered at Windrush Farms, My Brother’s Table, Habitat for Humanity, and the Gregg House. A skilled carpenter and mason, Jacob has helped in the construction and rehabilitation of workforce housing in our community through YouthBuild and the North Shore CDC.
Ishmael Telemaco is a senior at Salem High School, where is captain of the hockey team and also plays baseball and football. For the last two summers he has been a camp counselor at the YMCA. He is a culinary arts student at Salem High School, having earned an academic achievement award for his efforts in that field. After graduation he hopes to make a career as a chef or in managing hotels and restaurants.
The following have been invited to participate in the Commission’s proceedings as associate members. While they will not have a vote on the Commission, they will be able to participate in discussions, workshops, leadership training opportunities, and other Commission activities. When there is a future vacancy in one of the full membership seats, the associate members’ applications on file will be again reviewed for potential appointment to the vacancy.
Andrew Boucher is a senior at St. John’s Prep where he is on the Principal’s List, is an AP Scholar, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Andrew has won numerous awards and volunteers as a tutor, a soccer coach, and a camp counselor. He works as a club soccer referee for a number of leagues and as an assistant group leader at the Salem YMCA. At St. John’s he is involved in the Spanish club, math team, varsity volleyball, and Amnesty International.
Samuel Hoang is in 8th grade at the Saltonstall School. Samuel earned the John J. McGlynn Sr. Elementary Achievement Award from his previous school and has brought the same academic achievement to his work at the Saltonstall. A pianist and participant in the school drama program, Samuel is considering a career in public service for his future.
Colin McLean is a sophomore at the Salem Academy Charter School, where he is a member of the student government association and a writer for the school magazine. He has participated in the Salem Public Library’s Teen Advisory Council and is a member of the Salem Academy Charter School’s Spanish Honors Club. Colin is an honor roll student and was valedictorian of his 8th grade class.
Kahlil Mitchell-Smith is in 7th grade at the Pioneer Charter School of Science in Saugus. Kahlil participates in the school’s Book to Movie Club and track team and earned an award for his involvement in National History Day this year. He hopes to pursue a career in veterinary sciences.
While seven of the nine seats on the commission are intended for Salem youth between 13 and 21 years of age, the remaining two seats will be filled with individuals who represent organizations or agencies that interact with the youth population. The administration is in the process of interviewing applicants for the two adult seats on the commission and intend to submit those appointments for the City Council’s May 26, 2016 regular meeting.
“I am very excited about the opportunities presented by this new commission,” said Mayor Driscoll. “Having the ability to hear directly from Salem’s youth population will help ensure our community continues to be forward-looking in the types of services, programs, and projects we undertake as a City. I would like to thank all of the applicants for their interest in the commission and in making Salem a better city, and I look forward to the commission starting their work in the weeks ahead.”
More information about the Salem Youth Commission is available at http://www.salem.com/youth-commission.