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On Tuesday evening, Edmonds Youth Commission members presented their annual findings to City Council members. Seven seniors are graduating from the program, and several councilmembers praised the group.

“I just wanted to thank all of you guys for your service to this city,” Council President Vivian Olsen said. “It’s been awesome.”

The seniors are Owen Lee, Sydney Pearson, Aaron Nateephaisan, Brooke Rinehimer, Audrey Lim, Finn Paynich, and Brook Roberts. All have been involved for at least two years.

Owen Lee is heading to Occidental College in the fall and will continue to be involved with governmental politics. Sydney Pearson is heading to Scripps College. She wants to advocate for mental health in her college community.

Aaron Nateephaisan is heading to University of California Los Angeles. He plans to go into health care. Brooke Rinehimer wants to study chemical engineering. She will be going to the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Audrey Lim is attending University of California Berkeley, where she will study political science and economics. Finn Paynich is going to the Cornish College of the Arts. They will be studying musical theater. Brook Roberts will be spending his summer in Edmonds.

The youth commission – a group of students who advise the city council on policies relating to youth – was started in 2018. Two of the seniors, Lee and Pearson, have been involved in the youth commissions since the beginning.

“As mayor, I can’t have any favorites in terms of boards and commissions, but I got to say you all are my favorite commission,” Mayor Mike Nelson said.

This past year, the commission has accomplished many tasks, including volunteering at the Edmonds Food Bank every week, doing a beach day cleanup, and more. With seven out of the 11 members graduating, there will be several positions open in the fall. Applications will be available in September.

“I think you will just do it all. You have dedication,” Diane Buckshnis said to the seniors. “I look forward – to the remaining ones – working with you next year.”