By Joe Bachman

The Mayor’s Youth Council met on Wednesday, Mar. 30, and spoke about the importance of community involvement.

“I think it’s important to be involved in your community because for one, pride — why wouldn’t you want to take pride in the place you live,” said Wisconsin Rapids Elections Coordinator Paul Przybelski. “You want your community to be a better place — you want it to grow, you want it to thrive.”

“I think in order to make changes effective in the community you need younger generations to have influence,” said Lincoln High School Junior Ashley Bohn. “Rapids is a great city and has potential.”

The students on the council also discussed the local beautification project, sustainability, and aquatics. The council consists of Wisconsin Rapids students in grades 9-12. They represent the youth of Wisconsin Rapids and weigh in on issues that face the community.

“You hear this all the time, but the community is run by those who show up,” said Mayor Zach Vruwink.

Past projects of the youth council involved planting greenery by the Wisconsin Rapids city sign by Highway 54, multiple tree plantings in city beautification efforts, and also various legislative and community activities.