The Overland Park Teen Council celebrated a milestone at the recent community development meeting, marking its twelfth successful year with a recap of impactful service projects and learning experiences. Vice President Akhil Reddy highlighted the council's achievements, which included 58 members participating in various initiatives aimed at community engagement and education.

Among the standout projects was the Arbor AC Lehi giveaway, which saw 43 members in attendance, and the Arboretum Luminary Walk, which attracted 45 participants. The council also engaged in environmental efforts, such as invasive species removal and recycling events, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

Reddy emphasized the educational aspect of the council's work, detailing sessions with local police, fire, and EMS chiefs, where members learned about public safety and even met Haven, the police dog. A notable highlight was a planning and development session focused on the Deer Creek Apartments, where members experienced real-life city planning discussions.

The Teen Council also ventured to Washington, D.C., for the National League of Cities conference, where they collaborated with youth councils from across the nation to tackle issues like increasing youth engagement in local government. This trip, along with participation in the St. Patrick's Day Parade and a mock city council meeting, showcased the council's dedication to civic involvement.

In the mock meeting, members unanimously approved several initiatives, including a community park cleanup program and a proposal for Deanna Rose to host prom reservations for local schools. However, they rejected a controversial request from Tesla for public financing of gondola lifts, sparking lively debate.

With 30 first-year members and 27 returning alumni from 14 high schools, the Teen Council continues to grow and evolve, fostering a new generation of engaged citizens in Overland Park. The council's accomplishments reflect its ongoing commitment to community service and leadership development, setting a strong foundation for future initiatives.