Gastonia City Council recently recognized 14 Gastonia high school seniors who participated in the 2023-24 Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council.
Here’s a list of the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Program seniors and a glimpse at what’s coming next for them after graduation.
Lucas Crisp, program vice president, Forestview High School
According to Crisp, his favorite part of participating in the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council was serving the community and meeting like-minded individuals with whom he shares similar passions.
After graduation, Crisp will attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to pursue a degree in sports journalism.
Jacey Williams, Forestview High School
Williams’ favorite part of participating in the council was serving and connecting with different parts of the community, and she especially enjoyed her participation in Gastonia’s 2023 Christmas in the City celebration, she said.
Williams has not committed to a school at this time, but plans to major in psychology before proceeding to law school, she said.
Neel Patel, Highland School of Technology
“My favorite part of the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council was becoming a better leader by working with a great group of young people towards a common goal,” Patel said.
After graduation, Patel will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he plans to major in computer science.
Riley Rouse, Forestview High School
After graduation, Rouse plans to study human capital education at Clemson University.
“What MYLC has really done for me, I’ve always had a passion for volunteering and being able to serve the community, but I’ve also loved to be able to do that with a bunch of great-minded individuals, and it has always been a great opportunity to go out and serve my community,” he said.
Bryson Peoples, Highland School of Technology
According to Peoples, his favorite thing about being on the council was getting to meet new people who share a similar interest in community service.
After graduation, Peoples plans to attend Gaston College and eventually go on to get his pilot license, he said.
Brianna Maga, program treasurer, Forestview High School
Maga said her favorite memory from her three years on the council is working with so many creative and smart people from all over Gaston County to create helpful events for the community.
Maga plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall where she will pursue a degree in neuroscience.
Mauro Maya-Castro, Highland School of Technology
Some of Maya-Castro’s favorite things about participating in the MYLC included serving the community and seeing the reactions of those they served.
After graduation, Maya-Castro will attend North Carolina State University, where he will major in mechanical engineering.
Camryn Massey, program president, Ashbrook High School
“My favorite thing is definitely being able to lead this fine young group of individuals to better serve our community and seeing the smiles on everyone’s face just going out and being our true selves,” Massey said.
After graduation she will attend Auburn University on a full athletic scholarship where she will pursue a double major in kinesiology and pre-med with a minor in sociology.
Other seniors in the program that were honored at the meeting but could not be there in person include:
Hayes Kucera, Forestview High School
Sarah Barr, program historian, Forestview High School
Ben Kimmel, Hunter Huss High School
Kendal Boone, Hunter Huss High School
Malasia Friday-Scales, Hunter Huss High School
Samairah Ejaz, Hunter Huss High School
