On June 10, 2025, Kamloops Junior Council members presented their term in review to City Council, highlighting a year of learning, leadership, and lending their voices to local issues.
Over the 2024–2025 school year, these dedicated high school students met monthly to debate ideas, weigh in on community events, vote on budget items, and share their unique perspectives with City decision makers. They even got involved in bigger-picture advocacy, such as Junior Councillor Alya Van Laer participating in meetings with the Ministry of Education at last year’s Union of BC Municipalities Conference.
Reflecting on their term, Junior Council members shared what they valued most: learning about issues that matter to youth, having their input genuinely considered, and gaining a deeper understanding of how municipal government works. They also offered thoughtful ideas to improve the program, such as virtual attendance options, more hands-on involvement, and rotating leadership roles.
Created in 2018, Kamloops Junior Council empowers youths in grades 10–12 to explore civic leadership, influence local decisions, and help shape a better city for the next generation. As these students move forward, they take with them real-world experience, a sense of civic duty, and the skills to make meaningful change.
The City thanks this year’s Junior Council for their energy, insight, and commitment—you’ve made your mark!
2024–2025 Junior Council Members:
- Meaghan Bourgeois, Valleyview Secondary
- Katherine McCleary, Valleyview Secondary
- Rasiq Dewan, Sahali Secondary
- Matthew Lysak, Sahali Secondary
- Alya Van Laer, South Kamloops Secondary
- Ave Rieger, South Kamloops Secondary
- Jacey Hallstrom, Westsyde Secondary
- Jay Sullivan, Westsyde Secondary
- Jake Washington, NorKam Secondary
- Lauren MacLean, NorKam Secondary
