Bridgette McCarthy is hoping her time as a city council student representative will help bridge the gap between youth and local government.
The 16-year-old Washougal High School junior recently attended her first meeting in her new position on the Washougal City Council.
“I would like to be involved with Associated Student Body at our school, but I am so busy, it is hard to find time in my schedule to participate in it,” McCarthy said. “I love being able to be the voice of youth, and that our council wants everyone to be included.”
McCarthy’s hobbies include acting, singing, band, horseback riding and volunteering.
She feels the most challenging part of her new role on the City Council will be understanding the terms used during meetings, and representing youth well.
“Eventually, the high schoolers now will become the adults of our society later,” she said. “It is important for them to learn about what they can do so that their voice may be heard in decisions that are being made to directly benefit them.”