Two Lick-Wilmerding students are ensuring young people have a seat at the table when it comes to shaping San Francisco's future. Elyse S. '27 and Eddie N. '28 both serve on the District 7 Youth Council (D7YC), advising District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar—herself the parent of an LWHS graduate. The D7YC meets twice a month, right here on campus in the Center for Civic Engagement.

Eddie, Elyse, and their fellow council members are making a difference for SF youth and the issues that impact them. The D7YC drafted a youth mental health resolution that passed unanimously through the SF Youth Commission, and they have championed initiatives to make Muni more affordable and accessible, partnering with organizations like Seamless Bay Area.

As chair of the council's Civic Engagement Committee, Elyse has been particularly active in ensuring youth voices reach the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). Last year, she organized a groundbreaking roundtable with the SFMTA director that brought together youth groups to discuss protecting Free Muni for Youth, increasing bus service during school commute hours, and improving routes serving schools. She has this to say of her work with the council:

"Last year, I worked on the Transportation Committee for the D7YC to make sure youth voices were included in conversations with SFMTA. The director was very receptive, and this is now becoming an annual meeting. I'm proud of the positive change we made and of helping protect transportation resources that matter to youth."

This year, Elyse is focused on expanding youth civic engagement across San Francisco, working to establish youth councils in other districts and planning a citywide town hall. At LWHS, she also founded the Civic Engagement and Outreach Club, which creates opportunities for students to meet with District Supervisors and engage directly with city leaders

Thank you Elyse and Eddie for representing LWHS and SF youth in this important way!