In the heart of Fuquay-Varina, a dynamic group of teenagers is making a difference in their community through the town’s Teen Council. This innovative program offers a unique opportunity for teens to develop leadership skills, participate in exciting events, and serve as advocates for their peers.
As members of the Teen Council, teens volunteer at signature town events like the Tree Lighting, Egg Hunt, and Celebrate Fuquay-Varina, as well as coordinate the popular Haunted Trail. They also engage in community service activities, such as creating holiday cards for nursing homes and organizing canned food and clothing drives. With a wide range of events and projects, teens gain valuable experience in decision-making, planning, and teamwork.
The Fuquay-Varina Teen Council has grown to over 110 members. This photo was taken at the January meeting after a session on public speaking led by Commissioner Bryan Haynes.
But the Teen Council is more than just a volunteer group – it’s a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for making a positive impact. As Leslie Poole, Community Center Administrator and staff advisor for the Teen Council, notes, “I love giving teens a safe place to grow, succeed, and give back to the community. It’s incredible to see them develop into confident leaders and compassionate citizens.”
For teens like Lynx Boyd, joining the Teen Council has been a life-changing experience. “I found not only opportunities to help my town but also a sense of community and belonging,” Lynx says. “We all come together because we care about Fuquay-Varina and want to see each other succeed.”
The Teen Council’s achievements are impressive, with recent milestones including becoming a North Carolina Chartered Youth Council in May 2024 and having two representatives elected to the State-Executive Council Leadership team in April 2025. These accomplishments demonstrate the program’s commitment to empowering teens and providing them with opportunities for professional development, grant funding, and legislative participation.
The Fuquay-Varina Executive Board at the Spring State Youth Council in Winston-Salem. From left to right: Lynx Boyd, Mariah Knight, Salem DeVente, Aiden Kurtz, Paul Adefila, Phillip Adefila, and Holden DeVente.
The Teen Council is open to all rising 7th to 12th graders. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at 6:00 pm.
By joining the Fuquay-Varina Teen Council, teens can:
· Develop leadership skills and confidence
· Participate in exciting events and community service projects
· Make a positive impact in their community
· Gain valuable experience and skills for future endeavors
As Cassidy Scarzfava, Recreation Program Specialist and Teen Council staff advisor shares, “It’s a proud mama moment every time I see our teens succeed and grow.” The Fuquay-Varina Teen Council program empowers teenagers to become active, engaged, and compassionate community members. Encourage the teens in your life to get involved and be part of this dynamic group! Interested teens can learn more at FVParks.org.
