LEWISTON — Lewiston success stories will be highlighted via a diverse panel of participants on Thursday, Jan. 11, as the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) will host a free “Lewiston is a Place Where People Can Reach Their Dreams” forum at 6 p.m. in the Lewiston Council Chambers, 27 Pine St.

LYAC continues to undertake initiatives to showcase the city, and on Jan. 11 participants — with either past or present ties to Lewiston — will share their experiences in Lewiston and how they have succeeded.

Those on the panel will answer questions from LYAC and the audience, and comments will be accompanied by a slideshow featuring the participants’ time in Lewiston. Participants are as follows:

• Jared Turcotte, 2006 Fitzpatrick Trophy winner;

• Emily Fournier, owner of E. Claire & Pastries;

• Briley Bell, Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen;

• Richard Paradis, private, Lewiston Fire Department;

• Paul Dionne, former Lewiston mayor;

• Nate Libby, Maine state senator;

• Randy & Heather Letourneau, owners of Guthries;

• Zam Zam Mohamud, former school committee member; and

• Michelle Crowley, Lewiston High School teacher.

LYAC was established by the Lewiston City Council in 2001, meeting for the first time in 2002. Since then, it is has been recognized locally, at the state level and at the national level for its innovation and creativity.

Recent efforts have included a “What Do You Know About Lewiston?” community dialogue, a TALK positive communication campaign ranging from politics to community interaction, a positive image campaign titled “Do You Do Lew” and the filming of a “We Love Lewiston” video with elementary school children.

LYAC is funded annually by the Lewiston Firefighters Association.

For more information, visit www.lewistonmaine.gov/lyac.

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