Virginia Mungovan
Special to Independent Newsmedia

Surprise is recruiting new members for the Surprise Youth Council, a group of teens who are making a difference in their community.

The Surprise Youth Council marches down Bullard Avenue during the Veteran's Day Parade Friday, Nov. 11, 2016 in Surprise. (Independent Newsmedia/Jacob Stanek)

SYC members serve the community by collaborating with local leaders, including the Mayor and City Council, to give youth a voice in city issues and to help solve youth issues through awareness campaigns, service projects, and community- building events.

Students who are currently in grades 6-11 may apply, as long as they are attending a middle school or high school within the Surprise city limits, attending a Dysart Unified School District high school or reside within Surprise city limits.

Applications are being accepted through March 20. The application consists of a video submission, no longer than 1 minute and 15 seconds, and should include the following information: 

• Your name, grade and school you attend 

• Why you want to be on the SYC 

• If you could bring one thing to this city or change one thing, what would it be? What can you and a group like SYC do about it?

• Of these three words: fearless, creative, hardworking – which one best describes you and why? Briefly tell about a time you were fearless, creative or hardworking.

The videos should be sent to Youth Services Administrator Mike Cassidy by uploading your application video from your Google Drive and sharing it with cityofsurpriseyouth@  gmail.com.

Applicants must also have a parent or guardian complete and return a parent acknowledgement form.

For questions or information, contact Mr. Cassidy at 623-222-1033 or mike.cassidy@  surpriseaz.gov or visit www.surpriseaz.gov/syc.

Editor's note: Virginia Mungovan is a public information officer for the City of Surprise