Youth Advisory Council

The Youth Advisory Council seeks to provide and modify a safer, healthier, and cleaner environment for the people of Lee County. Through input and engagement from a younger generation, we will create a beautiful place for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Keep Lee County Beautiful is still accepting applications for the 2023-2024 KLCB Youth Council. This is a unique opportunity for high school students from diverse backgrounds across the county to participate in a service-learning and leadership development program. Members will contribute to and inform KLCB on programs while acting as ambassadors and leaders for youth service at their schools and in their communities. The KLCB Youth Council creates a framework for youth engagement. KLCB seeks to infuse the youth voice into our programs and build on the model of youth leadership seen in our partner affiliates.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!

Email Jenn@klcb.org or call 239-334-3488 with questions.

2023-24 Founding Members

Francesca Donalisio

Francesca Donalisio was born and raised in Lee County where she is now a senior at Bishop Verot High School. She is the Spanish Honor Society Vice President, an officer of the Science Honor Society, a 4-year member of the girls’ varsity lacrosse team, an active member of HOSA and National Honor Society, and a Girl Scout for 10+ years. Francesca has always had a strong desire to have a great impact both in and out of the classroom, which led her to join Keep Lee County Beautiful and to start developing a mentoring program for low-income Hispanic students called Adelante. Some of her many passions include volunteering at the hospital, traveling, and working with children. She aspires to be an obstetrician when she’s older where she will continue to pursue her passions.

Grace Harvey

Originally born in the sunny Fort Myers, Florida, Grace has spent her entire life growing up in Lee County. At a young age she had always found herself spending time outdoors exploring new places emerging herself in nature. She currently is a senior attending North Fort Myers High School and plans on attending the United States Naval Academy to pursue aviation. Grace is a part of many extracurricular activities such as being a class officer for Student Government, a member of National Honor Society, Girl Scouts, and is a part of the Junior Leadership of Cape Coral Committee. Over the past four years of high school, Grace has received over 500 volunteer hours through various projects throughout her community. During her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach and gym. Her favorite food is pickles and pasta (not together of course!) Along with spending time in Florida, Grace enjoys traveling out of the country to explore exotic destinations. Being a part of the Keep Lee County Beautiful Youth Council allows her to express her opinions while maintaining a beautiful environment for her hometown.

Kylee Lange

She is passionate about the natural world and hopes to earn a degree in environmental engineering. Kylee volunteers throughout her community for various events or projects and is very involved in her school. Alongside the many clubs, such as her school’s Model United Nations club and Environmental Action club, Kylee is involved in her school’s marching band as well. When she is not volunteering or participating in club activities, Kylee spends her free time crocheting, reading, or playing the alto saxophone

Riley McFarland

As a senior at Cape Coral High School and a member of the International Baccalaureate program, Riley McFarland hopes to pursue a degree in environmental studies. She participates in National Honor Society, IB Ambassadors, Student Advisory Council, Cross Country and Track Teams, and Belle Verde Farms (sustainable school garden) in her free time. Relevant coursework includes Geographic Information Systems (GIS), AP Environmental Science, and IB systems and societies. Volunteer work consists of organizations such as Cape Coral Animal Shelter, Rescue Rehab, school sports teams, hurricane cleanup groups, and Faith Community Church. Born and raised in Lee County, Riley’s interests revolve around remediation and water quality, specifically in relation to eutrophication of canals and pollution in the Caloosahatchee River. With this opportunity, she hopes to learn more about the complex issues that affect Lee County and implement knowledge she gains to enact change upon struggling ecosystems, increasing the quality of life of Lee County residents. She hopes to engage with members of the community in support of the mission of not only the youth council, but Keep Lee County Beautiful as an entity. Additionally, she hopes to foster connections for future involvement and rehabilitation of the environmental issues that affect Lee County.

Austen Summy

Austen is a 14-year-old freshman at Fort Myers High School. He has lived in Lee County with his family since he was six. He likes spending time with his family and friends, especially his younger brother. He participates in sports such as cross country, track, and basketball. Austen also enjoys playing music on the piano and saxophone. His hobbies are running, reading, and playing video games. He has a passion for the outdoors and has been volunteering with Keep Lee County Beautiful (KLCB) for several years, participating in beach cleanups. Austen likes keeping up with current events and debating contemporary topics. He is looking forward to being an active participant on the KLCB Youth Advisory Council. Austen hopes that he can help make an impact on Lee County and its environment by working with the other members of the Youth Advisory Council.