Twenty-six local high school students are getting a closer look at how Olathe works from the inside this school year, joining a city program designed to give teenagers experience with local government, community service and the decisions that shape their hometown.
The City of Olathe has selected its 2026-27 Teen Council, with students representing every Olathe Public Schools high school along with St. James Academy, Spring Hill High School and homeschool students. The group was formally recognized by the Olathe City Council and will spend the school year learning how the city operates, meeting community leaders and looking for ways to make an impact in Olathe.
Unlike a traditional student government that primarily focuses on school activities, the Olathe Teen Council is intended to connect students directly with municipal government. Members attend Teen Council meetings and City Council meetings, learn about city departments and services and can take part in other civic and leadership activities. Each member is expected to complete at least 20 hours of community service during the year.
The program has been part of Olathe for more than a quarter century. The city created the Teen Council as a way to give young residents a voice in the community while helping students better understand local government and develop relationships with city leaders.
Over the years, Teen Council members have taken part in a wide range of service projects and community activities. Recent groups have organized volunteer events, packed hygiene products for the Center of Grace, created artwork for KidsTLC and helped host Student Government Day, which introduces other high school students to city government and public-service careers.
Olathe has also included Teen Council members in broader city planning efforts. A Teen Council representative previously served on the advisory committee that helped shape the city’s Olathe 2040 strategic planning process, giving students a chance to provide a youth perspective alongside business, education and community representatives.
This year’s council includes six students from Olathe Northwest: Ben Kohler, Caden Perkins, Duke Cai, Santosh Subramanian, Viktoria Plotnikov and Zaid Ashkar.
Olathe North is represented by Cooper Saadah, Daniela Miriam Hernandez, Francesco Keuwo, Ines Aliche and Waluwae Abate.
Olathe East members are Alexa Chavez-Arreola, Angelinne Avendano Chino, Ellen Kalihamwe and Neil Patrao.
Olathe South is represented by Eli Bretz, Jasmin Marin Ramirez and Raven Miringu, while Amy Syhabout represents Olathe West.
St. James Academy students on the council are Clare O’Leary, Gabriella Gutierrez-Nolasco and Kylie Julianto.
Spring Hill students Jori Williams and Shawn Shi are also members, along with homeschool students Evalana Vaughn and Lazarus Vaughn.
The group includes students from multiple grade levels, giving the council a mix of younger students just beginning high school and upperclassmen preparing for graduation. Several members are returning from previous Teen Council groups, providing some continuity and experience for the new class.
The Teen Council does not vote on ordinances or have the authority of the elected City Council. Its role is educational and advisory, but the program gives students access to city staff, public meetings and elected officials that most teenagers would not otherwise experience.
For Olathe, the program is also intended to help develop future civic leaders while making sure young residents have a place in conversations about their community.
At the end of the school year, Teen Council members who complete the program and their service requirements are recognized by the mayor and City Council.
For the 26 students beginning that work this fall, City Hall will be more than a building downtown. For the next school year, it will also be a place to learn how their city works.
Olathe City Councilmember Robyn Essex meets with members of the 2026-27 Olathe Teen Council as students learn more about city government and community leadership.
Something Different Media Group
