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Program helps teens realize their leadership potential
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Toni Deguire has been a member of the Teen Advisory Council since fall of 2004, when she was in eighth grade. Deguire graduated from Pitman High School earlier this month and ended her five year membership with the council. She said that being a member of the Teen Advisory Council helped her to realize her leadership potential and become more involved.
“TAC has definitely helped me get out of my shell,” Deguire said.
Because of her involvement in Teen Advisory Council, Deguire joined her high school student council and became more outspoken.
“I would tell (other teens) to step up, they can make a difference if they have something to say,” Deguire said.
The Teen Advisory Council started in 2001 as a way to get Turlock teens more involved in their community. Every year the council plans and coordinates high school and junior high dances, sports tournaments, and a breakfast with Santa. Deguire said that the Breakfast with Santa event is always very popular. Children can meet Santa, make crafts, and write letters to Santa and receive a reply in the mail.
The Turlock Teen Advisory Council is now accepting applications for new council members. To be eligible to join the Teen Advisory Council, teens have to be in grades seven through 12. They also have to be either residents of Turlock or students within the Turlock Unified School District. Karen Packwood, a recreation supervisor with the City of Turlock, said that the Teen Advisory Council is a good way for Turlock youth to volunteer their time.
“They are volunteering their time because they want to make a difference in Turlock,” Packwood said.
The council meets for one hour on the fourth Monday of every month. There is a $63 registration fee to join, but Packwood said scholarships are available to eligible students. Applications will be available through June 26 at the Recreation Division office. For more information on how to apply, call 668-5594 or visit www.cityofturlock.org.
To contact Andrea Goodwin, e-mail agoodwin@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2003.