January 4, 2023
Just weeks after new appointments in the City of North Miami, the North Miami Youth Council followed the same path and welcomed new leadership to provide a voice for North Miami youth. During a recent induction ceremony, six new youth council members were sworn into office in North Miami City Hall/Council Chambers.
As a part of the ceremony, a new youth council mayor and vice mayor were elected to office. The newly elected mayor, 16-year-old Jimena Somoano, ran unopposed and brought the experience of serving as the council’s vice mayor during the previous session. The high school senior says she wants to focus on sustainability and the environment and is open to what her peers on the dais wish to introduce.
“Last year, we focused on a college preparation program, and I would love to do something like that again this year,” Jimena revealed. “I am open to more than just sustainability.”
The newly elected Youth Council vice mayor, Angelina Fleurime, is serving for the first time on the council; however, the tenth grader is following in her brother’s footsteps since he served on the council during the previous session. With great pride, her brother, Angel-Nathan Fleurime, stood beside Angelina, holding the family Bible, as she was sworn into office.
“When I heard about the role of the Youth Council, I wanted to be a part of it,” Angelina explained. “I want to help students have a voice and focus on areas like the reduction of plastic and cleaning neighborhoods.”
The other four members sworn into office were Youth Council City Attorney Hillary Alcenat, Youth Council City Clerk Azareya Philossaint, Anna Paulino and Carly Sharmat.
The Youth Council started in 2020 and meets the third Tuesday of each month at North Miami City Hall/Council Chambers beginning at 5:00 p.m. For more information about the council and the application process for serving on the council, visit www.NorthMiamiFL.gov/youthcouncil.
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About the City of North Miami
North Miami is a suburban city located in northeast Miami-Dade County, Florida. It is roughly 10 miles (16 km) north of Miami. The city lies on Biscayne Bay which surrounds the Biscayne Bay Campus of Florida International University. North Miami is home to a diverse demographic of residents. With more than 64,000 residents, North Miami is the sixth largest city in Miami-Dade County. We are home to the Oleta River State Park; the largest urban park in the Florida State Park System and the nationally accredited Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA North Miami).
Originally published at https://www.northmiamifl.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=258
