The City of Columbia is proud to announce the commencement of the 5th year of the Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC). The CMYC is designed to engage and empower high school juniors and seniors from across Maury County. Through hands-on experiences, guided discussions, and direct interaction with city leaders, students gain a deeper understanding of how city departments operate and how decisions are made. The program not only equips students with the knowledge and confidence to become informed, active participants in their community but also fosters long-term civic engagement by strengthening the relationship between local government and its younger constituents.
The 2025-26 class held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Columbia City Hall. During this first meeting, students were introduced to Mayor Chaz Molder and Assistant City Manager Thad Jablonski, who provided an overview of how city government works and guided students through the process of how decisions are made at the local level. Over the next 10 months, students will meet with and visit all twelve city departments, providing them with a comprehensive look at city government and how they can best interact with it.
Mayor Chaz Molder shared his enthusiasm for the incoming class, stating, “Each year, the Mayor’s Youth Council reminds us that our community’s future is bright. These students bring energy, ideas, and perspectives that help us grow as a city. This program not only provides them with a first-hand look at local government, but it also gives our leaders the opportunity to listen and learn from the next generation. I couldn’t be more proud of this year’s Council and am excited to watch these future leaders grow and succeed.
The students selected to serve on the 2025-26 Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council are:
- Brylie Blade
- Gabrielle Booker
- Ava Codling
- Jay Coleman
- Sarah Ann Crichton
- Marilla Dale
- Avery Daniels
- Emily DuBose
- Jacey Dugger
- Wyatt Duke
- Maci Dunn
- Savannah Dunn
- Callie Ervin
- Aleia Fletcher
- Amiya Gardenhire
- Addelyn Harrison
- Andrew Jefferson
- Phynlee Keeling
- Aubrey Poth
- Charlotte Recknagel
- Emma Rhinehart
- Tony Somsanith
- Caleb Wallbrech
- Lyli Whitfield
- Kylie Wood
To learn more about the Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council visit https://www.columbiatn.gov/598/Columbia-Mayors-Youth-Council
. The CMYC is designed to engage and empower high school juniors and seniors from across Maury County.){kind=link}
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