Youth Commission

Mission:

The mission of the Taunton Youth Commission is to provide Taunton's youth with a voice in local public/government affairs, develop leadership skills, social responsibility, and civic pride.

Structure:

The structure of the Taunton Youth Commission is within the legal parameters of the Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 8E - Powers and Duties of Cities and Towns: Youth Commission Establishment, Powers and Duties. There are 16 student members and 5 adult members appointed by the Mayor for staggered 3-year terms. Meetings are monthly on the second Thursday of each month at 6pm at City Hall.

Specific Functions of the Commission:

● To serve as a forum for the youth of Taunton to present their ideas, needs, and suggestions.

● To investigate needs, challenges, and issues affecting the youth of Taunton.

● To establish or strengthen services deemed important by the Commission for the youth of Taunton.

● To serve as a liaison between the Municipal Council and the youth of Taunton.

Participating Schools:

• Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School
• Taunton Alternative High School
•  Taunton High School

Adult Appointees:

• Roman Davis, Senior Executive Director, Old Colony YMCA (3 year appointment)
• Stephanie Hoye, Director of Student Services and Transportation, Taunton Public Schools (3 year appointment)
• Jillian Joyce, Board Member, Old Colony YMCA (2 year appointment)
• Jayson LaPlante, School Resource Officer, Taunton Police Department (3 year appointment)
• Melissa Oliveira, Adult & Teen Challenge New England (2 year appointment)

Student Appointees:

• Michaela Callahan, Taunton High School (2 year appointment)
• Condoleezza Dwuye, Taunton High School (2 year appointment)
• Emelia Leavitt, Taunton High School (3 year appointment)
• Jayden Lopes, Taunton High School (1 year appointment)
• Dayna Mbugua, Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical High School (2 year appointment)
• Khonnor Pasquale, Taunton High School (2 year appointment)
• Lilee Rodrigues, Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical High School (2 year appointment)
• Laylani Silva, Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical High School (2 year appointment)
• Leah Surabian, Taunton High School (2 year appointment)
• Isaiah Windle, Taunton High School (3 year appointment)
• Mark Santos, Taunton Alternative High School (2 year appointment)

Nomination Process:

The purpose of the TYC is to serve as a communications link between the youth of Taunton, the community, and the city government of Taunton. The City of Taunton and Municipal Council believe that our youth represent not only our future, but our present.

To achieve the goal of a membership that is reflective of the community and is inclusive of a diverse body of students, members should:

• represent all levels of academic abilities and extracurricular participation
• represent diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• represent a varied range of abilities
• represent a variety of viewpoints

Students who are at least 14 years old in grades 9 through 12 may be considered as candidates. Students who are nominated must submit a short essay (one page or less) conveying why they would like to serve on the Commission.

Student members will be expected to attend monthly meetings regularly and participate in Commission initiatives and activities. Meetings will be held at 6pm on the second Thursday of the month at City Hall.

Nominees should fill out the form below and submit it with an essay. Due to the limited number of Commission seats available (15), not all students whose names are submitted for membership will be appointed to the Commission. There is no cost associated with being a member. Transportation may be available for students as needed.

Nomination Form & Student Application

 Students should submit nomination forms to youthcommission@taunton-ma.gov

Social Media:

Facebook

Instagram

College Tours:

Are you a high school student who is interested in touring local college campuses and are in need of transportation? The Taunton Youth Commission is looking to provide juniors and seniors in need of assistance with transportation, with the opportunity to tour local colleges here in Massachusetts. Those from Taunton High, Taunton Alternative High School, and Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School are encouraged to apply. Four students from each school will be selected to join us on this fun day of touring! 

Please submit your application here.

We will be visiting schools on April 8th, 2023. It will be an all-day event. 

Schools to be toured: