Get to Know the CVYC

Here is some information on our 2011-2012 past CVYC members. New member bios coming soon!

Current Members
	Clare Lee Portfolio: Current Projects: Hi, I’m Clare. This is my first year with the CVYC. I wanted to join the youth council to get more involved in the community and engage in youth-centric projects. In the CVYC, I am in the ministries of Health and Environment. I am 17 years old and I am a twelfth grader attending Mount Douglas High School. Among my interests are piano, reading, Biology, Greek/Norse mythology, curling, and badminton.
	Ellyn Davidson Portfolio: Current Projects: I work for Ocean Networks Canada to better the state of our ocean. I believe in the power of the youth voice, of dance, of change and of the ukulele. You will often find me cycling around town, eating grilled cheese or reviewing rock concerts. Connect with me through the CVYC Ministry of Environment and on twitter @VicYouthCouncil (tweets by Carissa and I).
	Sheryl Zhou Portfolio: Current Projects: Hey everyone, I'm Shengsheng, known as Sheryl...since pronouncing my Chinese name is a nuisance (it's similar to Shungshung in English if you want to give it a go~) I'm from St.Margaret's School, and this is my first year at CVYC. For the most part, I'm on the media team, and I do my best to help out with the Ministry of Politics. Besides that, I'm passionate about a ton of things. I like languages, swimming, piano, reading, writing especially, arts, annnnnnd people! I love people, love meeting them, knowing them, bonding, conflicting, debating, and chilling out with them…you get the idea. I’m new to Victoria, but the friendly atmosphere really makes me feel at home. So I'm really excited about volunteering in the Victoria Youth Council, giving back some friendliness to the community!
	Natasha Verbeke Portfolio: Current Projects: This is my first year with the Youth Council and I am very excited to get more involved with my community. I think the council is an awesome place to connect, share, and get enthusiastic about ideas and issues in Victoria that concern youth. My interests include learning about the environment and what's being done to help create a more sustainable and localized community. And as a future nurse I'm also very interested in public health, and ways to help promote personal health in our city. In my spare time I also love traveling, reading, and taking photos.
	Carissa McLean Portfolio: Current Projects: Carissa is in 12th grade at Esquimalt Secondary School. She joined the youth council a year ago and deeply enjoyed the opportunity to be involved in the community by giving it a youthful perspective with her fellow peers. In the ministry of Justice, Health, and Media, she aims to make the community of victoria as affectionately accepting and vivaciously vigorous as possible. Her passions include photography, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and greek/roman mythology. She is fond of thinking about the mechanics in which individuals function in literature and reality.
	Sarah Graham Portfolio: Current Projects: I am currently in my Grade 11 year at St. Michaels University school and joined the CVYC this year to become more involved in community organizations. Throughout high school I have always enjoyed volunteering and the council is definitely a way to hear about even more happening in Victoria. Through the CYVC's politics and justice groups I hope to engage youth in the community more and create a happier place for everyone to live. Next year I hope to stay on the council and continue to learn more about the wonderful place we live in. On the weekend I can be found reading a book or going out with friends
	Thule van den Dam Portfolio: Current Projects: Hello! I'm an 11th grader in the Esquimalt Challenge program who's super excited to be a part of this amazing team. I'm in the Art, Justice, and Environment Ministries. I wanted to be more involved with the youth in this city, and weave my own experiences and passions into actions to make Victoria a more youth friendly place, which is why I joined the Council. I am currently volunteering at Mount St. Mary's hospital through running the gift shop, playing music for the residents, and listening to the countless stories they share and am a strong advocate for using the arts to encourage getting out into nature! I'm a part of many local initiatives in the community and at school, and am often seen dragging my violin with me from one end of Victoria to another. Having grown up in the Netherlands, moving to Canada, and entering French Immersion, my passion for traveling is endless and after I graduate I'm looking forward to backpacking across the continents and getting an Arts degree in Europe.
	Fairahn Reid Portfolio: Current Projects: Fairahn is currently attending Victoria High School in year final year of grade 12. She joined the Youth Council to be able to make a difference in her community and be connected with other like-minded youth. She is passionate about queer rights and equality, and is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for all. She is currently co-spearheading an anti-homophobia/transphobia poster and video project to be distributed to middle and high schools around the district. Outside of the Youth Council she can be found singing at the top of her lungs when no one is home, watching the latest episode of pretty little liars, or eating copious amounts of avocadoes and sushi.
	HannahSofia Portfolio: Current Projects: HannahSofia is very excited to be getting involved with the CVYC. This is her first year with them, she is involved in the Art and Justice ministries. HannahSofia is passionate about art and human rights, she hopes to make a difference in her community!
	Caitlin Doherty Portfolio: Current Projects: Caitlin is in grade ten at Lambrick Park. She joined the CVYC to be with like-minded youth and to get involved in local events! She is part of the Health Ministry and the Art Ministry where she has lots of fun planning campaigns and events. Caitlin is passionate about singing, acting, writing, shopping, tea drinking and just hanging out! She also likes to travel and has been to various places in Europe, Asia, America and Canada and hopes to continue travelling!
	Brenna Pauly Portfolio: Current Projects: Brenna pauly is a grade 12 student at oak bay high school. This is her first year on the youth council. She is excited to be a part of a group that promotes the youth of Victoria's voice. She is a member of the ministries of politics and health, and is also helping out with the bike fest put on by the ministry of environment. Brenna is an avid cyclist, she competes on the provincial team. She also enjoys swimming, soccer, and dance.
	Ian Schoeddert Portfolio: Current Projects: Ian Schoeddert moved to Victoria in 2006 and instantly fell in love with the city. Since then he has been striving to find a place for himself by outreaching into the community, and becoming engaged in every way possible. He attends Esquimalt High School and is a member of the challenge and music programs. While at school Schoeddert also juggles a passion for the arts and has found interest in mural painting and creative writing. He joined the City of Victoria Youth Council to explore deeper into those passions while broadening his horizons.