WEYBURN – The Weyburn Youth Council announced the return of the WYC Captivator Series, designed to engage and inspire Weyburn students.
This will be the second year for the series, providing a platform for dynamic dialogue with a diverse lineup of local industry leaders in business, finance, entrepreneurship, technology, artificial intelligence and education.
“We’re excited to host discussions with local mentors who will empower the next generation of leaders from the Weyburn Comprehensive School and inspire us to pursue our own paths to success,” said Youth Mayor Nikola Erasmus.
A fellow council member, Harper Williams, spoke of her excitement to offer this series, noting that high school students often don’t know what direction their lives should take after graduation.
“Our goal is to get young people in Grades 10 to 12 interested in finding out what they want to do in the future,” she said, noting there are so many options available, they might need some advice or direction to narrow the choices down.
Williams hopes doing it in a fun way with two different panels will help encourage students to come out and hear what they have to say, particularly those who are in business or technology, and not be afraid to ask questions about those activities.
The first panel, which was held on Wednesday, focussed on business and entrepreneurship, and featured Jeff Hayward, COO of Weyburn Credit Union, and Alyssa Demarchi, owner of the Root Hair Lounge.
The panel set for Thursday, April 25 from 3:45 to 5 p.m. at Southeast College.
On Thursday, the panel will include Dean Loberg, vice-president of academic, and teaching and learning for Southeast College, and Ryan Janke, CTO of Weyburn Credit Union.
The event is free to attend, and is tailored towards high school students.
Asked what she hopes to get from the series personally, Williams said, “I’m still on the fence as to what I want to do.”
She noted as the youngest member of the Youth Council in Grade 10, she will be taking in all the information and questions to consider what she wants to do.
Williams said she’s very much enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of the Youth Council to toss around ideas and talk about things, particularly with the guidance of Paige Tenbult of the City and Coun. Jeff Richards, who both have been working with the group.
Attendees at the panel discussions will have the chance to win door prizes provided by the Weyburn Credit Union.
“The Weyburn Youth Council is thrilled to offer this opportunity again to engage and captivate our peers,” said Erasmus. “We hope this event creates a meaningful impact in our community.”
The inaugural event was held in 2022, and featured WCS graduate Andrew Cretin and his business partner, Kirk Morrison, co-founders of the travel app Krugo.
