By Anna Orchard-Hays

While most Ocean Lakes High School students wrap up a long school day by heading to practice, homework or clubs, these Dolphins slip into their finest attire to meet with some of the most passionate minds in the city.

In 2022, Virginia Beach started allowing high school students to have the opportunity to serve as student commissioners on select city council boards. Now, over seven Ocean Lakes students fulfill these roles on various city committees. This includes the Interfacility Traffic Area/Transition Area, Citizens Advisory Committee, Clean Community Commission, Open Space Advisory Committee, Bayfront Advisory Commission and the Active Transportation Advisory Committee.

Interfacility Traffic Area

The Interfacility Traffic Area (ITA) serves as an advisory role for businesses and residents located in the Green Line. This line, also referred to as the Transition Area, is essentially the region between the urbanized northern part of Virginia Beach and the rural south.

“The bulk of our work comes from the Virginia Beach Comprehensive Plan, a document that guides the city’s growth and development for the future,” senior and student ITA commissioner Kaydyn Ismail said.

The ITA is responsible not only for present expansion, but for the future of the city and its needs. This includes infrastructure such as shopping commons, transportation systems and wetlands, according to the ITA Master Plan.

“We review [the Comprehensive Plan], specifically the chapter pertaining to the Transition Area, and discuss how environmental sustainability can coincide with the growth and development of Virginia Beach,” Kaydyn said.

Although Kaydyn just recently got involved with the ITA, she is already experiencing the immense impacts of this opportunity.

“We are the future. We are the next generations of leaders and thinkers that are going to go out in this world and make an impact,” Kaydyn said. “It is so important that we’re getting the exposure and experience to develop the soft skills and professionalism needed for us to jumpstart our advocacy.”

Open Space Advisory

Junior Eric Lin and senior Cooper Stuart serve as student commissioners on the Open Space Advisory Committee(OSAC). Its mission is to evaluate undeveloped land in the city for potential acquisition to preserve as open space, specifically in support of the Virginia Beach Outdoors Plan.

“I specifically joined OSAC because I take advantage of the open space that allows me to play sports, go to the rec centers and overall explore VB’s natural environment better,” Eric said.

Specifically, Eric hopes to advocate for citizens who are at a geographical disadvantage of certain amenities, striving to improve accessibility in the future.

“There is a disparity in the access of the amenities in specific areas of the city that are typically less walkable or very developed, making it difficult for people in those areas to have the same benefits as others who have accessibility to recreational or open spaces,” Eric said.

Not only does this committee open doors of opportunity for students, but it helps build connections with other students and adults who are passionate about the same topics.

“[The committee] provides healthy interaction with other like-minded students to amplify our voices, encouraging advocacy in a world that needs it the most,” Eric said.

Clean Community Commission

The Clean Community Commission (VBCCC) holds an advisory role to city council on matters related to waste management, litter prevention and city beautification; additionally, it was the first commission to allow student commissioners. The committee analyzes different issues across the city, making recommendations accordingly, while also organizing events that help prevent pollution and promote equity.

“Litter and waste are very big issues in our city and I think one of the best ways to mitigate these problems is from a position of power such as the city council,” senior Miles Pullman said. “By being on VBCCC I get to have some influence on what happens in this city.”

Sitting as a student commissioner on VBCCC, Miles participates in city and state events such as Clean Water Lobby Day, clothing drives and community cleanups in order to better the city and build connections.

“It is also a very good networking opportunity for students and allows across-city collaboration, which brings new perspectives,” Miles said.

Whether it’s advocating for cleaner communities, greener public spaces or greater accessibility, these students demonstrate that policy isn’t just for a select group, but for anyone willing to speak up, show up and evoke change.

“I think this opportunity is very important for students because it allows for their voices to be heard but also gives them real world experience in politics and public speaking,” Miles said.

Click here to watch a video featuring Ocean Lakes students who serve on city public policy committees.

Anna Orchard-Hays is a junior and for The Current, Ocean Lakes High School’s student news website.