SMITHFIELD—Not all of Smithfield’s youth were watching The Office Thursday night. A group of 20 high school students met together as the Mayor’s Youth City Council.

Brent Perez, the Junior Mayor, addressed the students at the meeting where the main agenda item was finalizing plans for Saturday’s Senior Ball. The ball, hosted in the Smithfield Stake Center, will welcome senior citizens for a patriotic dinner, and dancing. The dinner is being provided by the Lions Club and will be served by the council. Douglas Orahood has donated memorabilia including photos, flags, helmets and metals to decorate the gym.

During the meeting, the council was divided into 3 groups, to greet, escort and pin flowers purchased from Smithfield Flower Shop.

They bought them there “to support the local businesses,” explained Joanna Mantz, council adviser.

Perez advised the members of the importance of being at the ball. “We would like you all there to get to know the seniors better,” he explained. “We want to be friendly and talk to as many seniors as possible. We want to get to know them.”

The Smithfield City Youth Council has been active for over five years and was started by the Mayor.

Barbara Kent is the representative from the Smithfield City Council and attends the youth council’s meetings.

“We like to have her here to make sure we are all on the same page,” said Perez.

Perez also explains that “youth councils are at the Mayor’s discretion. If a Mayor wants one, he can make it happen.” The Smithfield Mayor wanted more youth involved.

Some cities don’t have a youth council because the budget comes mostly from the city’s budget. What doesn’t come from the city budget comes from donations at the annual Turkey Trot said Perez.

The council also discussed the next event for November which is the fun run Turkey Trot. It will be held on Saturday Nov, 20, and the council will be participating.

The Smithfield City Youth Council meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at 8:30 PM in the city offices. Visitors are welcome.

Published in cooperation with the Hard News Cafe. Original story is here.