The Southlake Youth Action Commission (SYAC) started the 2024-2025 academic year with purpose and enthusiasm. From goal-setting retreats to community service projects and hands-on learning experiences, these young leaders are already making a big impact this fall.

The excitement began on October 14 with SYAC’s first-ever Board Retreat at Legends Hall. Student leaders participated in goal-setting workshops led by Community Relations Manager Vicky Schiber and Recreation Programs Manager Jennifer Blackstock. The retreat inspired the board to set a bold direction for the year with their new Mission, Vision, and Goals:

• Mission: Provide an environment for the youth voice of Southlake.
• Vision: Be the go-to youth voice to improve the community.
• Goals: Increase SYAC Alternate attendance by 15%, expand Intern Day to a full-day event in April 2025, and develop a 5-Year Strategic Plan.

In November, SYAC shifted gears to community engagement and experiential learning. On November 11, students learned about the development of the Southlake Pickleball Complex through a presentation by city leaders, including Director David Miller, Deputy Director Fince Espinoza, and Pickleball Manager Eric Clay. The session highlighted how citizen input drives local projects. Afterward, SYAC members took to the courts for a lively game and personalized tips from Clay, blending education with fun.

In December, 15 SYAC members rolled up their sleeves for the Keep Southlake Beautiful Adopt-A-Street program. Together, they removed nine bags of litter from Shady Oaks Drive, demonstrating their commitment to keeping Southlake clean and beautiful.

With a dynamic fall semester underway, SYAC is setting the bar high for student leadership and community impact. Stay tuned as these world-class young leaders continue to shape Southlake’s future.

Learn more about SYAC at https://www.cityofsouthlake.com/262/Southlake-Youth-Action-Commission.

As the Southlake Youth Action Commission wraps up another successful year, City staff are already planning for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Southlake Youth Action Commission (SYAC) held its final meeting on Monday, May 8. Southlake Mayor John Huffman visited the group as a guest speaker and answered questions about city leadership.

SYAC is a group of Southlake and Carroll ISD high school students interested in local government and leadership. They bring youth-related issues to the City Council’s attention and participate in community service projects annually.

Here’s a look at what SYAC accomplished during the 2022-2023 school year:

• Conducted three clean-up sessions on Shady Oaks Dr. as part of the Adopt-A-Street Program
• Developed a comprehensive marketing plan for the Southlake Arts Council's Southlake Presents Art Show and Competition
• Attended the Texas Municipal League’s YAC Summit in Dallas
• Participated in Intern Day with key city staff members and departments to learn more about local government
• Presented to City Council during their April 18 meeting

Participating in SYAC is a great way to earn volunteer hours while giving back to the community. Previous SYAC members have secured internships with the City and have gotten accepted into prestigious college programs.

As this year closes, we look forward to next year’s cohort. If you are an exceptional student looking to get more involved in your community, learn about leadership, and participate in local government, submit your application today! Applications are due on August 30, 2023.