LEWISTON — The 2011-12 membership of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council have begun their year of service and were recognized at the July 19 City Council meeting. Twelve youths were appointed this year, with eight returning members and four new members. The youth will serve through July 2012.

The membership consists of Nairus Abdullahi, Jake Bergeron, Courtney Costello, Stephanie Costello, Brendan Landry, Sabin Lavorgna, Kenzi Masselli, Nadifa Mohamed, Shuaib Naji, Amanda Swart, Marcus T. Talarico and Marissa Zanoni.

The youth council was established by the Lewiston City Council in 2001 to encourage youth civic engagement, to provide youth with an opportunity to experience municipal government and to provide youth with a voice on both community and youth areas of interest. The charter membership of the youth council first met in September 2002.

The 2011-12 membership will participate in a full day of orientation in August consisting of presentations by municipal staff, interactive exercises and leadership training with official meetings to commence shortly thereafter.

Those serving as advisers to the group are Lewiston’s Community Relations Coordinator Dottie Perham-Whittier and Director of Recreation Maggie Chisholm. Councilor John Butler serves as City Council Liaison to the youth council.

For additional information on the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council, visit www.lewistonmaine.gov/lyac or contact the membership by calling 513-3000, ext. 3205; TTY/TDD 513-3007.