YONKERS, NY — November 28, 2014 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced in September that the Youth Advisory Board, established by executive order in January 2013, would be accepting applications to select three new board members. After a month long selection process, Mayor Spano has made his selections, appointing Ashley Mendola, Peter Kusick and Brianna Noriega to the board.

The members were sworn in a ceremony at City Hall on Monday, November 24.

“I’m excited to welcome Ashley, Peter and Brianna to the Youth Advisory Board. Their credentials, even at a young age, are impressive and I’m confident they will bring a lot to the table,” said Mayor Mike Spano.

Mendola, a high school senior, is an Honors and AP student, National Honor Society events coordinator and member of the National Science Society. Mendola was also crowned Miss New York for the National American Miss Pageant. As Miss New York, Mendola volunteered with Strides Against Cancer and traveled to Puerto Rico and Ecuador speaking to young children about the importance of seeking higher education and careers.

Kusick, a high school junior, is dedicated to volunteerism; Kusick devotes time to Habitat for Humanity and Yonkers Police Athletic League. Kusick currently serves as the Vice President of his student body. He is also a member of the Student Life Committee, the Ministry Leadership Team and Liturgical Leadership Team, empowering and encouraging young people to seek involvement in their faith.

Noriega, a high school senior, is extensively involved in clubs and organizations throughout Yonkers. She is part of the Compassionate Women Confident Leaders, JCC Youth Group at Saint Peter’s Church, Feeding Our Neighbors, JCY Summer Buddy Program, as well as a Eucharistic Minister, Usher and CCD Volunteer at Saint Peter’s. Noriega previously played soccer for Bryn Mawr and currently serves as an assistance coach for youth softball.

All three members have expressed their sincere desire to serve on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board, hoping to provide a voice for their peers and create programs that will benefit their community.

Mayor Spano’s Youth Advisory Board was created with the intention of developing a forum within Yonkers to effectively debate and decide issues that affect youths. Responsibilities of the Yonkers Youth Advisory Board include: acting as a liaison between the City and various youth related community based organizations; recommending policies and programs for the prevention and control of juvenile delinquency and youth crime; and encouraging closer cooperation between employers, schools, private and public agencies in Yonkers.

Mayor Spano added, “I can’t wait to see how this new group of young people will effect change in our City and create effective and lasting initiatives for our leaders of tomorrow.”