Hopkinsville Mayor James R. Knight Jr. has announced the members of the 2025–2026 Mayor’s Youth Council, marking the eighth year of the program.
The students were introduced to Hopkinsville City Council during its meeting on Tuesday, January 20. The Mayor’s Youth Council is designed to give local high school students hands-on experience with city government, help them develop leadership skills, and provide a platform for youth voices in the community.
Juniors and seniors from Christian County public, private, and homeschool settings were eligible to apply. Selections were based on written applications, letters of recommendation, and personal resumes. The council will meet regularly on the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the council chambers at the Hopkinsville Municipal Center.
The 2025–2026 Mayor’s Youth Council members are:
From Hopkinsville High School:
Evelyn Bangart, Kaley Bangart, Brianna Hendrickson, Lamareon Jeffers, Gabriel Naylor, and Samantha Prescott.
From Heritage Christian Academy:
Anna Camacho, Mallory Cornelius, and Karsyn Steger.
From Christian County High School:
Gabriela Cedano, Chloe Gidlof, Addison Peck, and A’Niyah Wilford.
The Mayor’s Youth Council was launched in 2015 as a student advisory group. The program allows students to engage directly with city leaders, department heads, and community partners while addressing issues affecting their community. Its mission is to equip, inspire, and mobilize young people to take action and develop civic leadership skills.
