Youth Council
The Hickory Youth Council consists of 30 high school students from throughout the City who are charged with representing all the youth in the City of Hickory.
These high school students serve as an advisory council to the Hickory City Council, participate in community service projects, and hold events that build leadership skills for themselves and their peers.
The Youth Council meets on the third Monday of the month at 5 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. at various City facilities or community locations between August and May. The meetings are open to the public and all are invited to attend. See the City events calendar for upcoming meetings.
If you have any additional questions about the Youth Council, call Staff Liaison Sam Abernethy at 828-323-7558 or email sabernethy@hickorync.gov.
Youth Council Recruitment 2026-2027
The Hickory Youth Council is currently recruiting new members for the 2026-2027 school year. Rising 9th through 12th graders living in the Hickory city limits or attending a school that has a seat on the council are eligible to apply to serve on the Youth Council. Applications are due by Friday, May 29. Please sign in with a Google compatible email address to complete the online application.
Youth Council Members for 2025-2026
Andrew Hata, Anthem Avangeline, Bailey Danner, Brenna Laney, Callie Canella, Caroline Sprinkle, Carson Fincher, Chance Ly, Charlie Bowman, Cole Caudle, Connor Dowdle, Eden Totty, Ella Sprinkle, Evelyn Cinson, Evie Hight, Harper White, Harrison Bogle, Kathryn Cinson, Larkin White, Miles Britton, Noah Roeder, Payton Scronce, Porter Bray, Stephanie Flores, Xavier Springs, Yangqing Shao, Yareli Saucedo-Garcia, and Za'Kira Hewitt
Youth Council Officers for 2025-2026
Chair - Kathryn Cinson
Vice Chair - Connor Dowdle
Secretary - Za'Kira Hewitt
Historian - Cole Caudle
Representatives on other Hickory Boards and Commissions:
Community Appearance Commission - Yareli Saucedo-Garcia
Community Relations Council - Xavier Springs and Za'Kira Hewitt
Historic Preservation Commission - Andrew Hata
International Council - Anthem Avangeline, Connor Dowdle, Chance Ly, Yangqing Shao, and Payton Scronce
Library Advisory Board - Stephanie Flores
Parks and Recreation Commission - Porter Bray
Public Art Commission - Charlie Bowman