All City Council members were present at the city council meeting, the Picayune Mayor’s Youth Council was honored with the MLL Award for City Spirit. The award ceremony celebrated the council’s innovative projects and contributions to the community.

The Picayune Mayor’s Youth Council emerged from a shared vision to empower young leaders and foster civic engagement. From its inception, students have been encouraged to identify areas for improvement and propose solutions, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Collaborating with local government departments, businesses, and community leaders, the youth council has implemented impactful projects such as park improvements and clean-up efforts that have enhanced the city’s aesthetics and livability.

Additionally, the council addressed pressing community needs through hunger relief programs and youth-focused events, including community clean-ups, a food blessing box, food drives, and designing amenities for a dog park. They also initiated popular events like “Teen Halloween” and “Christmas at City Hall.” These efforts have contributed to improved quality of service and livability in Picayune, enhancing the overall well-being of residents.

“Picayune has been put on the map again by our Mayor’s Youth Council,” said Mayor Jim Luke. “This is our third state award in two years. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the hard work of Sydney Stubbs and Lisa Albritton, who competed against cities like Jackson and Biloxi.”