Sep 6, 2016 By Luke Campbell 3 min read

When Mt. Lebanon High School senior Varsha Venugopal and junior Elizabeth Gladden were voted to serve as Mt. Lebanon Junior Commissioners for 2016-17, there was a lot of similarity in what they wanted to achieve.

While Venugopal and Gladden will participate in many activities throughout their terms, including attending Mt. Lebanon Commission discussion sessions and meetings, both considered one of the most important aspects is to an open line of communication between students and the elected officials.

“I definitely want to do more than to attend the meetings,” said Venugopal. “I want to make sure I act as a bridge between the local government and the student body, especially at the high school.”

Venugopal, 17, who will serve during the first semester, is active in the community by supporting Relay for Life, volunteers at Mt. Lebanon Public Library and assists with the municipal farmers’ market. At her school, she is president of the Human Rights Club and Future Business Leaders of America, and competes with the debate team.

“I just really like to volunteer in the community and be a part of what is going on,” said Venugopal, who is interested in studying finance and economics. “I would love to meet other figures in the municipality. I’ve always been interested in local government but would also love to talk to the finance director of Mt. Lebanon to see how that process works.”

Gladden, 16, is co-captain of the junior varsity lacrosse team and also plays tennis. She has co-chaired a Relay for Life team and has served on executive student council for the past two years.

“I’m very interested in what the commissioners do every day and want to educate high school students on that,” she said. “As a high school student, I’m glad that I can educate people more, because you can never know enough. It’s a really great opportunity.”

One recent project that Gladden wants to familiarize herself with is the “Look Up Lebo” program that she knows is crucial after growing up in Mt. Lebanon.

“I love our tight-knit, walking community,” said Gladden. “As a student walking home from school, I like knowing that I’m safe. I personally think it’s really nice they want to develop the youth and continue to make Mt. Lebanon strong in the future. I love our tight-knit, walking community and want to know how it works so well. It’s really an awesome experience, not only for now, but for the future. They want to develop their youth and keep them here.”