The Seminole Youth Council, a group of juniors and seniors from Varnum Public Schools, Seminole Public Schools, and The Academy of Seminole, won the American Planning Association's Best Practice in Economic Development 2023 Student Project award for their innovative project for their leadership in bringing a new Family Entertainment Center to Seminole, OK. The entertainment center, which will feature bowling lanes, laser tag, an arcade, a cafe, and a bar, is set to become a hub of family-friendly activity in the community.
“I would like to congratulate past and present members for their success. It's great to hear that the Seminole Youth Council has been recognized for their outstanding efforts in bringing a new Family Entertainment Center to Seminole, OK. Winning an award for this project is a testament to their leadership and dedication to making a positive impact in their community. It's inspiring to see young people taking an active role in improving their town and creating opportunities for families to come together and have fun,” said Mayor Jeff Griffin.
Seminole Youth Council first presented the project in 2019 to Seminole City Council. The group recognized a need for more recreational options in the area and decided to take action to make it happen. They have continued to work with council members, city staff, and voters to secure funding and support for the project.
“We are thrilled and humbled to receive this award," Atriya Nourbakhsh, a first year youth council member said. "Our project was truly a team effort from the first youth council members of 2019 to current members, and we are proud to have been able to make a positive impact on our community. We hope that our project will inspire other young people to get involved in economic development and community building."
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