A Voice For Vermont Youth

A King Street Center story is making state-level history. Long-time youth Maryan has been selected to represent Chittenden County on the Vermont State Youth Council, becoming the first from our center to serve!

The Vermont State Youth Council was established in 2022 with the passage of H.293, an act relating to the creation of the State Youth Council. The Act codified the notion that youth in Vermont, by right, should be involved in the decision-making processes that affect them. The Council, comprising youth selected through an extensive application process, convenes monthly to offer recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly on policies impacting youth in the state. Council members are appointed to three-year terms and serve on a committee that addresses specific issues facing Vermont youth, such as Equity & Anti Racism and Climate Change.

In joining the Council, Maryan will help shape policies that affect young people across Vermont, guided by her experiences in similar spaces, such as the Youth Participatory Action & Research Group (YPAR) and the Racial Justice Academy. This role is a perfect fit for Maryan, who has been a part of the King Street family since she was five years old. From broadening her curiosity as a child to taking on leadership roles in her teen years, her journey with us has prepared her for this moment. As staff who have watched her grow attest, her leadership style is powerful and purposeful.

"Maryan Awayle is one of the most incredible young people I have ever met," said Dylan, K-5 Director. "It has been an honor to watch her grow into the thoughtful, driven, and dynamic individual she is today." Kachi, who was Manager of the MS Program, added, “Maryan may not be the loudest student in the room, but she shows up by leading by example. She makes her mark known through her work, not her words.”

We are immensely proud of the stellar individual Maryan has become and are excited to see her leverage her skills to advocate for her community.

Check out our exclusive interview with Maryan below!