Oakmont Council members have a couple of fresh faces in their ranks.
During the borough’s Jan. 20 meeting, Dimitri Hong, 17, and Sophie Yahnke, 16, were sworn-in as the borough’s two new youth representatives.
Council began the student representative program last year when they welcomed Riverview High School senior Rocco Brown. This is the first time the borough has two representatives from Riverview.
Hong and Yahnke both heard about the role from Brown, as they compete on the school’s Model UN team together.
“It seemed interesting because it’s something you really don’t think about, your local government and how it runs,” Yahnke said.
Yahnke is always looking for ways to try new things. Struggling with public speaking, activities like Model UN and council’s student representative program help challenge her to conquer her fears, she said.
Hong’s excited for the transferable skills he stands to learn from getting a closer look at local government operations.
“If I learn now how local government works, I feel like that’ll help me out a lot in the future,” Hong said. “No matter what I do, I feel like that’s really important. (It’s important to) participate in your community.”
Applying for the position was Hong’s latest step to becoming a more active member in his community, he said. He’s trying to volunteer more as a resident and also joined the school’s Key Club.
“I’m just trying to talk to people more in the community,” Hong said.
Being a part of council meetings, Hong said, has helped him learn more about events and resources Oakmont offers.
Yahnke said that while her first meeting was initially a bit overwhelming, she’s excited to learn more about the committees and inner workings of the government and how they all connect with each other.
Hong hopes to help create events or activities that appeal to the teens living in the community.
In a similar vein, Yahnke said she wants to help people her age engage more with the community.
“We have events currently, but I just want to do more events that help the youth become more involved and connect them with the community,” Yahnke said.
As a young driver, Hong said he wants to help improve roads for drivers and pedestrians.
“I think walkability can be a struggle on certain roads,” he said.
Hong is also a part of Riverview’s Spanish Club, Inclusive Leaders Club and unified bocce team.
Yahnke is a violinist in Riverview’s orchestra, participates in the school’s mock trial program and is a crew member for the high school musical.
