Youth Advisory Board Speaks Up for Teaneck's Younger Residents

 If you know of a “Whiz Kid” who has reached a milestone academically or athletically or who has made a difference in the community through volunteering or the arts, Patch would love to hear from you. Please send your information to Noah@Patch.com.

Four Teaneck Youth Advisory Board Members (YAB) make up this week’s Whiz Kids. They include Michael Pleasants, 17; Brian Thorn, 18; Ashley Edwards, 17; and Patrick Edmonds, 17. Each of these teens (including another YAB member Camille Parker) has served four consecutive years on the board, which currently consists of about 30 Teaneck youth from grades 8-12. Pleasants and Thorn serve as co-chairs, while Edmonds and Edwards serve as co-vice chairs. Not only do YAB members get a taste of public service, but they also learn leadership skills as they work with the Teaneck Council to better serve the interests of the township’s youngest residents.

1. What are some of your duties as a YAB Member?

Michael Pleasants: You're expected to be an active member in your community and be able to do more than represent yourself. You have to figure out the issues from other youths and be the bridge that crosses those issues over to the people that can do something about them.

Brian Thorn: I engage in much dialogue with members of the Teaneck community in hopes of reaching a better understanding between the youth and the elected officials of Teaneck.

Ashley Edwards: As co-vice chair of the YAB, I assist with the running of the meetings and step up when one of the chairs is not present.

Patrick Edmonds: We are the voice of Teaneck's Youth. We bring the concerns of the youth to the Town Council.

2. What are some noteworthy issues that you've brought up to the Teaneck Council?

Thorn: We've created projects such as 2008's Unity Day, which was aimed at bringing the entire community together.

Edwards: Since the YAB is comprised of many different people from different backgrounds, we're constantly discussing better ways to unite these different groups and bring them together.

Edmonds: One issue that seems to pop up is the sidewalk. Many people are concerned with the lack of sidewalks in certain areas, causing the kids and many other to walk in the street.

3. Do you know yet what college you'd like to attend and what you'd like to study?

Pleasants: Currently, I don’t know what college I would like to attend; however, my major is certain. I plan to major in business administration in the hopes of one day owning my own business.

Thorn: I’m attending Columbia University next year, studying theatre, film and creative writing.

Edwards: I'd like to attend Syracuse and study architecture.

Edmonds: I’m not sure of which college I'd like to attend yet, but I plan on studying physical therapy and athletic training.

4. What are some of the challenges, if any, of being on the YAB?

Pleasants: Choosing meeting dates in which everyone is available, since as students, most of us are very busy. Also, I like to think of all of us as leaders in our own right. In this group of leaders, some people have to take a step back and follow; the converse is also true.

Thorn: Challenges include organizing the community behind a common goal and making our voice heard/presence felt.

Edwards: The biggest challenges, at least for me, are putting aside my feelings on an issue that I don’t agree on.

Edmonds: Many of the challenges are trying to hear the voice of all of Teaneck's youth and trying to satisfy everyone, while still trying to get our point across strongly.

5. What have you enjoyed most about your responsibilities?

Pleasants: I've gotten the chance to do things that, if not on the board, I wouldn’t have been given that opportunity. I've gotten the chance to speak at public events, tour the Bergen County Jail, and attend special events.

Thorn: I've enjoyed seeing things come to fruition and knowing that I – in some way – helped the community I love.

Edwards: I think what I’ve enjoyed most is seeing the effect that the YAB is starting to have on the community. I’m starting to get more questions from my friends to bring to the YAB rather than bringing my own personal issues.

Edmonds:  What I've enjoyed most is the fact that we are the voice of the teens. We hold a great responsibility and have the trust of the Teaneck youth that we'll have their voices heard.

Those interested in joining the Teaneck Youth Advisory Board must fill out an application and be approved by members of YAB and the Teaneck Council. For more information, email yab@teanecknj.gov.