The Lakewood City Council adopted the formation of a Youth Council in 2002

The 2008-'09 Youth Council
Left to right: Sarah McKeown, Emily Boline, Jordan Dacres, Kaitlyn Kessel, Leah Kollin, Jenny Kim, Esther Oh, Ylisse Bess, Cameron Boyd.
Not pictured: Kevin Bess, Celina Kim, Tammy Park, Brian Hoffmeister

The main responsibility of the Youth Council is to advise the City Council about issues affecting the youth of Lakewood. The Youth Council serves as a liaison between youth and the Lakewood City Council. Members must either live in Lakewood or may live outside the city limits, but attend a school within our city limits. This term, we have students representing Bellarmine Prep, Clover Park, Harrison Prep, Lakes and Steilacoom. There are two members who are in their 3rd term and 5 members who are currently serving their 2nd term. The Youth Council also coordinates the "Make a Difference Day" celebration for the City as well as serving as official representatives of the city at a number of special events throughout the year. High school students may apply for a position on the Youth Council by submitting a letter of interest in the spring. The recruitment period traditionally begins in mid-March and closes by the 1st of May.