Press Release – September 9, 2019

NEWS FROM: GOVERNOR’S OFFICE FOR CHILDREN

For immediate release:
September 9, 2019
Contact: Robyne McCullough robyne.mccullough@maryland.gov
667.967.9022

Governor’s Office for Children Announces Appointments of New Members to
Maryland Youth Advisory Council, Return of Second-Year Appointments

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Governor’s Office for Children announces the appointments of new and returning members to the Maryland Youth Advisory Council. The Maryland Youth Advisory Council addresses relevant issues by influencing legislation, spreading public awareness of youth policy issues, and serving as a liaison between youth and policymakers. Some members of the Maryland Youth Advisory Council are appointed by Governor Larry Hogan, Senate President Thomas V. Miller, Jr., and Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Adrienne Jones. The Governor’s Office for Children appoints other council members nominated by the Maryland Association of Student Councils, University System of Maryland Student Council, Maryland Higher Education Commission Student Advisory Council, and the Association of Local Management Boards.

This year’s members represent Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Charles County, Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Wicomico County. They are:

• Grace Acle, Salisbury: Grace is a junior at James M. Bennett High School. Grace was nominated by the Association of Local Management Boards and appointed by the Governor’s Office for Children. The 2019-2020 council year will be Grace’s second year as a member of the council.
• Zahra Akil Allidina, Columbia: Zahra is a junior at Oakland Mills High School. Zahra  was nominated by the Maryland Association of Local Management Boards and appointed by the Governor’s Office for Children. The 2019-2020 council year will be Zahra’s first year as a member of the council.
• Noureen Badwi, Towson: Noureen is a junior at Towson High School. Noureen was appointed by the President of the Senate. The 2019-2020 council year will be Noureen’s second year as a member of the council.
• Ryan Blosser, Jarrettsville: Ryan is a senior at North Harford High School. Ryan was nominated by the Maryland Association of Student Councils, and appointed by the Governor’s Office for Children. The 2019-2020 council year will be Ryan’s second year as a member of the council.
• Nina Bundy, Ellicott City: Nina is a sophomore at Towson University. Nina was appointed by the President of the Senate. The 2019-2020 council year will be Nina’s first year as a member of the council.
• Aidan Douglas, Germantown: Aidan is a junior at Seneca Valley High School. Aidan was appointed by Governor Hogan. The 2019-2020 council year will be Aidan’s second year as a member of the council.
• Crisaly De Los Santos, Baltimore City: Crisaly is a junior at the University of Baltimore. Crisaly was appointed by Governor Hogan. The 2019-2020 council year will be Crisaly’s first year as a member of the council.
• Kamri Gooding, Waldorf: Kamri Gooding is a Senior at the Maryland School for the Deaf. Kamri was appointed by Governor Hogan. The 2019-2020 council year will be Kamri’s first year as a member of the council.
• Maggie Harkins, Fruitland: Maggie is a junior at Parkside High School. Maggie was appointed by Governor Hogan. The 2019-2020 council year will be Maggie’s first year as a member of the council.
• Jesse Harris, Jr., Brandywine: Jesse is a junior at St. Mary’s Ryken High School. Jesse was nominated by the Maryland Association of Student Councils, and appointed by the Governor’s Office for Children. The 2019-2020 council year will be Jesse’s first year as a member of the council.
• Ian Herd, La Plata: Ian is a sophomore at La Plata High School. Ian was nominated by the Maryland Association of Student Councils and was appointed by the Governor’s Office for Children. The 2019-2020 council year will be Ian’s first year as a member of the council.
• Carmelli Leal, Rosedale: Carmelli is a junior at Eastern Technical High School. Carmellli was nominated by the Maryland Association of Student Councils, and appointed by the Governor’s Office for Children. The 2019-2020 council year will be Carmelli’s second year as a member of the council.
• Marvin Li, Salisbury: Marvin is a junior at James M. Bennett High School. Marvin was nominated by the Association of Local Management Boards and appointed by the Governor’s Office for Children. The 2019-2020 council year will be Marvin’s first year as a member of the council.
• Malachi Macon, Frederick: Malachi is a junior at Governor Thomas Johnson High School. Malachi was appointed by the President of the Senate. The 2019-2020 council year will be Malachi’s first year as a member of the council.
• Maya Matava, Hebron: Maya is a sophomore at James M. Bennett High School. Maya was nominated by the Association of Local Management Boards and appointed by the Governor’s Office for Children. The 2019-2020 council year will be Maya’s first year as a member of the council.
• Kennedy Smith, Annapolis: Kennedy is a senior at Annapolis High School. Kennedy was appointed by the Speaker of the House. The 2019-2020 council year will be Kennedy’s second year as a member of the council.
• Sean Woolums, Annapolis: Sean is a senior at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Sean was appointed by the Speaker of the House. The 2019-2020 council year will be Sean’s second year as a member of the council.
• Alex Xhane, Perry Hall: Alex is a junior at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Alex was appointed by the President of the Senate. The 2019-2020 council year will be Alex’s first year as a member of the council.

During their first meeting on September 7, all members learned about one another by participating in icebreaker activities. They also discussed the mission and responsibilities of the Maryland Youth Advisory Council, youth policy, and elected members to leadership positions.

The Maryland Youth Advisory Council was established in 2008 to ensure that Maryland youth are given the opportunity to provide feedback and recommendations regarding public policies and programs affecting their futures, while also giving them a leadership role in creating meaningful change.

Council members must be 14 to 22 years of age. Members are required to serve a two-year term, which begins on September 1 and ends August 31 of the following year.

The Maryland Youth Advisory Council’s next meeting is scheduled for October 12. All Council meetings will be held at 100 Community Place, Crownsville, MD 21032 unless otherwise noted. All meetings are open to the public. If you plan to attend a meeting, please notify Christina Drushel Williams no later than the Monday prior to the meeting at christina.drushel@maryland.gov or 410.697.9242.

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About the Governor’s Office for Children
The Governor’s Office for Children works with State agencies and Local Management Boards to promote a stable, safe, and healthy environment for Maryland’s children, youth, and families. Learn more by visiting our website at goc.maryland.gov and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.