LEWISTON – Councilor Normand Rousseau, who serves as a representative to the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council, praised outgoing seniors Katie Lauze, Ryan Reed and Jonathan Isacco for their contributions from 2002 to 2005.

All three were charter members of the youth council, which was established by the Lewiston City Council in the fall of 2001.

The farewell presentation was made at the June 21 Lewiston City Council meeting.

Rousseau noted that when he was appointed as a representative to the youth council two years ago, he didn’t know quite what to expect, but said after working side by side with them, “I’ve become quite attached and wouldn’t trade my position on the youth council with any other position I hold in the city.”

Rousseau added that in addition to the projects they’ve worked on, such as the noise pollution awareness campaign, the relocation of the 1891 E. Howard clock at City Hall, the Is Your Number Up campaign and the electronic community message board project, the youth council has achieved something they might not even realize.

He said the youth council’s commitment has effectively sent a message that teenagers are more than willing and have the ability to take on projects and do a great job for the benefit of a community.

Community Relations Coordinator/LYAC Co-Adviser Dottie Perham-Whittier read personalized messages on Certificates of Appreciation that Rousseau presented to each outgoing member. Recreation and Parks Director/Co-Adviser Maggie Chisholm was also in attendance, and outgoing senior Katie Lauze thanked her and Perham-Whittier for their guidance and direction.

In the fall, Lauze will attend the University of Maine in Orono majoring in sociology and possibly seeking a career in public administration.

Reed will attend the University of Maine at Farmington majoring in social sciences as he pursues his dream of becoming a history teacher.

Isacco will graduate from a home-schooling program on June 25 and is making decisions about his next step.

The trio’s tenure on the youth council will come to a close on July 19 when new members are appointed.