NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (RVO) – Redbank Valley High School students Colin Sheffer and Rachel Niccolai were selected to serve as New Bethlehem Borough Council and the Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce Junior Members.

Redbank Valley High School students Colin Sheffer and Rachel Niccolai join New Bethlehem Borough Council and the Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce as Junior Members. Pictured from left to right: Tom Logan, Colin Sheffer, Sandy Mateer, Gordon Barrows, Rachel Niccolai, Amy Rupp. (*Photo courtesy of TechReady Professionals)

Colin Sheffer, a student at Redbank Valley High School, was selected as the new Junior Council Person for New Bethlehem Borough. Rachel Niccolai, also a student of the Redbank Valley High School, was selected as the new Junior Chamber Person for the Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce. Both students will serve until graduation.

“We are proud to participate in the Junior Person Program and support youth involvement in our community and local government,” said Gordon Barrows, Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce President and New Bethlehem Borough Vice President.

Sheffer and Niccolai were selected as the NB Borough and RV Chamber’s first-ever Junior Members after an application and interview process with local officials. In their role, Sheffer and Niccolai will participate in board meetings, participate in borough/chamber business, and observe all organizational rules. Junior members cannot vote or participate in executive sessions, but they can attend budget hearings, public hearings, and community events.

Barrows credited the Redbank Valley School District, specifically, Dean of Students, Mr. Tom Logan and High School Principal, Ms. Amy Rupp for helping to make this program a reality. Furthermore, New Bethlehem Borough President Sandra Mateer and New Bethlehem Mayor Tim Murray also played an important role in supporting the development of this program. Lastly, Vice President of the Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce, Jamie Lefever, also worked alongside Barrows to support the Chamber’s participation.

Barrows shared “all of these folks were instrumental in creating this opportunity for the students and it helped that both Sheffer and Niccolai were exceptional candidates.”

Colin Sheffer, a Junior at Redbank Valley High School was sworn in by New Bethlehem Mayor Tim Murray as the newest New Bethlehem Borough Junior Council Member. (*Photo courtesy of Leader-Vindicator)

SHEFFER, NEW BETHLEHEM BOROUGH
Sheffer is a Junior at Redbank Valley High School where he serves as the secretary for the Future Business Leaders of America, the Public Relations Officer for the Bible Club and is the Student Representative for the School Board of Directors, while also leading the Boy’s Varsity Soccer team as Captain. Outside of school, Sheffer participates in the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, is an active volunteer in his church as well as served on the Youth Service Corps for the Redbank Valley Community Center.

After graduation, Sheffer wants to attend college (undecided), and then pursue law school.

“I wish to become a junior councilman because, alongside my strong interest in government, I believe that all demographics, especially youth, have a responsibility to civics,” Sheffer said.

Sheffer has also been recognized as Best Overall Delegate at the Clarion University Model UN Council, received the Letterman Awards in Varsity Soccer, Band and as Track Statistician as well as also received the Presidents Award for Educational Excellence as part of the Honors program.

Rachel Niccolai, a Junior at Redbank Valley High School was selected as the Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce Junior Member. Pictured with Chamber President Gordon Barrows and Chamber Vice President Jamie Lefever. (*Photo courtesy of TechReady Professionals)

NICCOLAI, REDBANK VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Niccolai is also a Junior at Redbank Valley High School where she serves as the Vice President of the Future Business Leaders of America and has been the treasurer of the Yearbook Club. She also has participated in volleyball, track and the gifted enrichment program.

After graduation, Niccolai plans on attending Penn State University or the University of Pittsburgh and majoring in a business-related field. Long-term, she would love to work in marketing or further pursue management of her own company.

“I wish to become a Junior Chamber Member to gain business experience by learning from those within our community. I currently have my own small business selling clothing and accessories and I feel I could greatly contribute to meetings while learning more myself. I am extremely interested in entrepreneurship, so becoming a Junior Member would be a wonderful experience,” Niccolai said.

ABOUT:
The Junior Council Person (JCP) Program is a statewide initiative from the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB), which aims to get young people involved in their local communities. It allows for youth to take an active role in the governing process of their municipalities and brings a young, fresh perspective to communities across the state. The Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce modeled their Junior Chamber program from PSAB’s structure.

While a JCP does not have an official vote on the Board, he or she does have a voice and an official seat at the table. It is a mutually beneficial relationship for both the directors and the youth. It also allows board members to serve as mentors to students who will be future leaders in their communities.

The JCP Program will allow high school students the opportunity to learn critical skills including team building and collaboration, public speaking, event management, public engagement, budgeting, and running effective meetings. It also will allow the student the opportunity to deliberate on issues that are affecting his or her community.

The JCP Program guidelines include:

• Junior Council Persons should be a borough resident
• Junior Chamber Persons should be a resident of Redbank Valley School District
• The Borough/Chamber can have more than one JCP serving at a time.
• Juniors and Seniors in high school are encouraged to apply.
• Students should write a letter of interest to board of directors outlining why they want to be a JCP.
• An interview process with board members will occur.
• Once selected, the JCP should take the “Junior Person Pledge.”
• JCPs may be appointed to one-or two-year terms.
• Attendance is required at monthly meetings.
• A Junior Person shall not receive compensation.
• JCPs will be seated with the board of directors, participate in organization business, and observe all organizational rules.
• JCPs cannot vote or participate in executive session.
• Attendance at budget sessions, committee meetings, public hearings, and community events is encouraged.
• Junior Persons shall serve at the direction of the Board and may be removed at any time, for any reason, at the discretion of the directors.
• To earn the Distinguished JCP Award, the student should serve for a minimum of six months, having attended a majority of board meetings.