Fox Chapel Area graduate relishes experience as junior councilperson in Blawnox

Recent Fox Chapel Area graduate Hannah Drum is eyeing a career as a genetics researcher but a high school stint with Blawnox Council stirred unknown political passions.

“Wherever I live, I’ll definitely join local government,” the teen said after wrapping a two-year term as Blawnox junior councilperson.

“It opened my eyes to what happens every day, and I feel a lot more importance should be placed on voting in local races.”

Drum, 18, responded on a whim to an ad seeking a high-schooler to serve on her hometown council.

Sponsored through the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, the junior council person program is a statewide initiative meant to get teens involved in local policy-making.

The young members of council can’t vote but are invited to weigh in on discussions and help shape the board’s view from a youthful perspective.

During her two-year position, Drum said she learned more than she lent.

“I was a sophomore when I applied, and I knew next to nothing about local government,” she said. “I was surprised about a lot of little things that I don’t even think of, like water bills and road work. I’ve heard countless issues about water bills, and people come to council meetings and ask a lot of questions.”

There were other subjects, however, that Drum was able to contribute to.

She found herself chiming in to help council develop plans for $100,000 in improvements to the community park.

“I’m the one closest to a child, and I used to play there with my friends all the time,” she said. “I was able to tell them a lot about what I wish we would’ve had back then.”

During her time on council, Drum headed a committee to design and paint a new baseball-themed mural at the park as well as a logo for the borough’s community volunteer group, Blawnox Manager Kathy Ulanowicz said.

Drum also sat on council’s property and planning commission, mostly soaking up information during the effort to rewrite the borough’s zoning ordinance.

“She was our first junior council person, and she did a wonderful job,” Ulanowicz said. “It was nice to have an opinion from a young viewpoint on things that are happening in the community.”

Drum said she’s glad for the opportunity that provided a unique glimpse at the behind-the-scenes workings of borough business. For her service, she received citations from state Rep. Tony DeLuca and state Sen. Lindsey Williams.

“I really wanted to be more involved in my community,” Drum said. “I didn’t know much about what goes on, other than attending our Christmas event every year.

“I’ve learned so much, and I’m thankful for it. The role will help me so much in the future.”

While Drum prepares to attend the University of Miami this fall, she reflected on her affinity for her tightknit hometown.

“It’s unlike any other place. When you go on a walk, you say ‘Hi’ to everyone because it’s like a family,” she said.

“I will definitely serve on council in the future. It helps so much to have an input in what’s going on in the day-to-day life.”