A Year 11 student from Ron Dearing UTC has been named Hull’s Young Mayor.
Amaya Newman, 15, has been selected as the fourth Young Mayor to represent young people across the city over the next 12 months.
She will work with Hull City Council’s Voice and Influence Team, other young people and decision makers to promote the interests of the younger generation in Hull.
Amaya was appointed following a selection day attended by 16 candidates who also voted for the winner. They were all tasked with completing a team challenge and delivered a speech on why they want to be Young Mayor and the difference they hope to make before the votes took place.
Amaya, who attended a Christmas Card Parade in north Hull this week as part of her first Young Mayor duties, said: “I feel privileged to be named Hull Young Mayor and I’m so pleased I’ve been chosen. Young people don’t have enough of a voice and it’s important for us to be heard.
“I’ve always had an interest in politics too and it’s very much based around adults making decisions. I’d like to be Prime Minister one day and being Young Mayor is a great opportunity, challenge and a starting point for me.
“A career in politics is sometimes frowned upon but I think fresh opinions are needed. I’m excited about making a difference and connecting young people to decision makers.
“Past Young Mayors have run campaigns and I’d like to do the same. I’m passionate about improving transport for young people, raising awareness of the effects vaping has on your health and looking at the importance of mental health among young people.”
Amaya will be supported by Deputy Young Mayor Germaine Omar, a pupil at Kelvin Hall School in Hull, who has been appointed to the newly created position for the next year.
Amaya said the support she has received from Ron Dearing UTC staff helped her to secure her Young Mayor role.
She said: “I’m really proud to be a Ron Dearing UTC student and my confidence has grown so much.
“I wouldn’t be doing this without the support of the staff because I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do it. I want to make everyone proud.”
The young people who attended the selection day will be invited to join Amaya and Germaine as they work with Hull Young People’s Parliament to reach more young people in the community.
Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We’re incredibly proud of Amaya for being appointed to this role. It’s a wonderful opportunity and will hopefully help to inspire other young people.
“We actively encourage our students to embrace opportunities and experiences alongside their studies to broaden their horizons and this is a perfect example of that.
“This role will undoubtedly support Amaya to further develop her confidence, leadership and communication skills, which are all invaluable. It will also enable her to give back to the local community – something she is passionate about.
“We wish Amaya every success and know she will do a fantastic job.”
Councillor Linda Tock, Hull City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said: “Each young person’s speech was full of hope and insight for young people’s futures in Hull.
“I’ve been inspired by the ability of our young people to communicate and articulate their passions. Once again, it’s good to see young people involved in politics and helping to make the city a better place for all young people.
“Congratulations to Amaya and to Germaine as our first Deputy Young Mayor.”