In Centerville, local government isn't just shaped by elected officials. It also includes a student voice at the [music] table. >> The junior council member program is really just a way to keep students involved. We're a representative democracy. To be a representative democracy, we [music] have to have everybody of all ages represented. It gives students an opportunity to kind of come out of their shell and be more [music] invested in their community. For the past year, Sophie has served as Centerville's junior council member, [music] representing students and learning firsthand how city government works. >> This position is really important for the city. Kind of going back to what I said earlier is it gives [music] the youth a voice. While I don't have a vote, my voice still matters. >> During her term, Sophie [music] attended council meetings, volunteered at city events, and participated in regional conversations about issues affecting the next generation. Being [music] in a room full of adults talking about how much they want to save our environment and make the make the world a better place for my generation just [music] really gave me a lot of hope. >> Now, as Sophie's term comes to an end, a new student [music] is stepping into the role. >> I became a junior council member by my teacher first asking me if I wanted to if I would be interested in like doing [music] a position. And at first I didn't know what it was, but she explained it [music] to me and just it felt like a great way to just get involved in my community. Garrett is the city's newest junior council member, eager to learn how local government operates and how students can be part of the conversation. >> I'm most excited about just learning how everything works. Yeah, I've always wanted to know just what exactly goes on in a city council meeting. Garrett says having a student voice is important, especially in a city with a [music] large youth population. >> I think it's important for students to have a voice in the city. There's a decent number [music] of students in the Centerville area and I feel like I don't know, without a voice, they don't really get their opinions across. [music] And I feel like that's just helpful in every demographic everywhere to just be able to have somebody tell people about what you [music] think and what you want. Just to get a variety of opinions and diversity in every aspect. >> Both Sophie and Garrett say the Junior Council program [music] offers students a rare opportunity to engage with their community in a meaningful way. >> To any student who's thinking about applying, 100% do it. Having [music] an opportunity to see how much local government truly affects [music] your life is it's mindblowing and life-changing. >> Centerville's junior council member program continues to give students a seat at the table, helping shape the city's future, one voice at a time.