Clara Lumenello Joined Vermont State Youth Council
The Leland & Gray student now represents Windham County on the statewide council advising Vermont leaders.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Youth
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Clara Lumenello, an eighth-grade student at Leland & Gray Middle/High School, has been selected to join the Vermont State Youth Council. She will represent Windham County as part of a group dedicated to advising the state's government on youth issues.
Why it matters
The Council bridges the gap between state officials and young residents, ensuring student perspectives influence policy decisions. By providing input through surveys and hearings, members shape the legislative agenda in Montpelier.
Established under Act 109 in 2022, the council organizes five distinct committees to focus on climate, education, equity, mental health, and youth voice. It mandates representation from all 14 Vermont counties.
The players
Clara Lumenello
She is an eighth grade student at Leland & Gray Middle/High School who serves as the representative for Windham County.
Vermont State Youth Council
This body was created by Act 109 to bring the perspectives of young people to the Governor and the Vermont General Assembly.
The details
Lumenello will collaborate with youth representatives from across the state to facilitate discussions on pressing local issues. Council members gather direct feedback from their peers through various polls and surveys while participating in public hearings.
Timeline
The Vermont State Youth Council was established in 2022.
Clara Lumenello was selected to join the council in September 2026.
Culture Shift
The council reflects a growing societal shift toward integrating younger generations into formal civic processes. It follows the structural mandate set by Act 109 of 2022 to formalize youth input within the state legislature.
Windham County students can now provide direct input on legislative policies through their local representative. Residents may see council members at public hearings as they gather data to influence state-level decisions.
The takeaway
Civic engagement programs like this allow students to participate in the legislative process before they reach voting age. By contributing to committees on topics like mental health and climate, youth members help shape the future of Vermont state policy.
Further reading
For more context on how state policies impact students, visit the Youth section.
More information
Find out more about council initiatives on the Vermont State Youth Council website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Brattleboro Reformer.
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