Olive Branch Expands Mayor’s Youth Council for 2025-26 School Year
OLIVE BRANCH, Miss. — Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams announced the expansion of the city’s Mayor’s Youth Council, nearly doubling its size for the 2025-26 school year.
The council, which previously had 30 members, now includes 68 students representing 10 schools across the city. This year’s council is made up of 30 juniors and 38 seniors, with 11 students returning for their second year in the program.
Participating schools include AOP Homeschool, Cedar Crest Cottage Schools, Center Hill High School, Christian Brothers High School, DeSoto Christian Academy, DeSoto Central High School, Lewisburg High School, Northpoint Christian Academy, Olive Branch High School and St. Mary’s Episcopal School.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to expand council this year,” Adams said. “This gives students the opportunity to learn more about city government in a hands-on way while also serving the community. Expanding this program is made possible thanks to community partners and the Board of Aldermen’s support of youth government education.”
The Mayor’s Youth Council meets twice a month from September through April. Students participate in service projects, attend public meetings, and engage directly with city leadership. Seniors can earn up to 20 hours of community service credit through the program. Underclassmen are eligible to return for a second year as seniors.
Members will also have the opportunity to attend the Mississippi Municipal League’s Statewide Youth Leadership Summit in spring 2026, giving them a broader perspective on civic engagement and leadership.
The program aims to prepare students to become the next generation of community leaders while building stronger ties between local government and youth across Olive Branch.
