Youth Council Executive Board

Chair - Israel James (He/Him)

Israel James is part of the Rocky Mount Area Youth Council in Nash County. He is a senior at North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. In his free time Israel likes to collect rocks, make short TikTok videos, watch TV, and read The Bible.

When asked what State Youth Council means to him, Israel stated: “To me, SYC is a platform for change and a testament to the power of youth leadership. Over the past four years, my participation in both local and state Youth Councils has been transformative. SYC has provided me with numerous opportunities to enhance my leadership skills, collaborate with like-minded peers, engage in meaningful discussions on pressing issues facing our communities, and most importantly, advocate for positive change at both the local and state levels. Through the SYC, I have learned the importance of active citizenship, the value of effective communication and collaboration, and the full potential of North Carolina’s youth to drive meaningful impact in our society. It has been an honor and a privilege to be part of such a dynamic and inspiring community, and I am deeply grateful for the experiences and friendships forged along the way.”

Israel also stated what he looks forward to in the upcoming SYC Year: “I am looking forward to being a voice of the voiceless, becoming closer with my fellow SYC council members, and bouncing innovative ideas off of one another to solve the most pressing issues that North Carolina faces!”

Vice Chair - Ava Banner (She/Her)

Ava Banner is part of the Winston-Salem Youth Advisory Council in Forsyth County. She is a senior at Ronald Reagan High School. In her free time Ava likes to study politics, write, read and work out.

When asked what State Youth Council means to her, Ava stated: “SYC serves as a conduit for the ability to change how the youth are viewed and to fight against injustices that plague NC.”

Ava also stated what she looks forward to in the upcoming SYC year: “Serving the youth of North Carolina and developing a network of likeminded individuals who strive for change.” 

Secretary - Baylee Barkley (She/Her)

Baylee Barkley is part of the Concord Youth Council in Cabarrus County. She is a senior at Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College. In her free time Baylee likes to cook, bake and socialize with others.

When asked what State Youth Council means to her, Baylee stated: “What SYC means to me is an organization that allows young people to serve and spread leadership throughout their communities while also allowing them to express themselves and their views and emphasize the opportunities and changes they see in their local area. Additionally, SYC provides a platform for innovation and creativity that is shared and valued by everybody which makes SYC important to me, that all youth should have an opportunity to experience!”

Baylee also stated what she looks forward to in the upcoming SYC year: “What I'm looking forward to serving on the council is engaging myself with new education and learning opportunities, meeting and establishing new relationships with the youth that will be long-term and memorable, spreading the positivity of SYC, and upholding the ideas and goals of the council.”

Sergeant at Arms - Rylen Mack (She/Her)

Rylen Mack is part of the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council in Cumberland County. She is a junior at Seventy-First High School. In her free time Rylen likes to cook, spend time with family, and watch the Philadelphia Eagles.

When asked what State Youth Council means to her, Rylen stated: “To me, the State Youth Council means a place where teenagers of North Carolina can come together and create projects, ideas and innovations for the betterment of our community. Having these types of projects and events opens teenagers to more leadership and responsibilities of a leader.”

Rylen also stated what she looks forward to in the upcoming SYC year: “I’m looking forward to working more with my fellow Executive Board Members! And I am most excited to do service projects and help my community in any way!”