{"id":14701,"date":"2026-01-13T14:46:41","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T19:46:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/?p=14701"},"modified":"2026-01-13T14:46:41","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T19:46:41","slug":"teens-at-the-table-students-join-virginia-beach-public-policy-committees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/teens-at-the-table-students-join-virginia-beach-public-policy-committees\/","title":{"rendered":"Teens at the table: Students join Virginia Beach public policy committees"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>By Anna Orchard-Hays<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Interfacility Traffic Area<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Senior Kaydyn Ismail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThe bulk of our work comes from the Virginia Beach Comprehensive Plan, a document that guides the city\u2019s growth and development for the future,\u201d senior and student ITA commissioner Kaydyn Ismail said.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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,\u201d Kaydyn said.<\/p>\n

Although Kaydyn just recently got involved with the ITA, she is already experiencing the immense impacts of this opportunity.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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,\u201d Kaydyn said. \u201cIt is so important that we\u2019re getting the exposure and experience to develop the soft skills and professionalism needed for us to jumpstart our advocacy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Open Space Advisory<\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Senior Cooper Stuart<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\u00a0Virginia Beach Outdoors Plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI 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\u2019s natural environment better,\u201d Eric said.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThere 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,\u201d Eric said.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201c[The committee] provides healthy interaction with other like-minded students to amplify our voices, encouraging advocacy in a world that needs it the most,\u201d Eric said.<\/p>\n

Clean Community Commission<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cLitter 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,\u201d senior Miles Pullman said. \u201cBy being on VBCCC I get to have some influence on what happens in this city.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is also a very good networking opportunity for students and allows across-city collaboration, which brings new perspectives,\u201d Miles said.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s advocating for cleaner communities, greener public spaces or greater accessibility, these students demonstrate that policy isn\u2019t just for a select group, but for anyone willing to speak up, show up and evoke change.<\/p>\n

\u201cI 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,\u201d Miles said.<\/p>\n

Click here<\/em><\/strong><\/a> to watch a video featuring Ocean Lakes students who serve on city public policy committees.<\/em><\/p>\n

Anna Orchard-Hays<\/em><\/strong> is a junior and for <\/em>The Current<\/em><\/a>, Ocean Lakes High School\u2019s student news website.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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