Castle Pines teen selected as liaison to Douglas County
Bella Heick dressed for her school’s Sadie’s dance. She is one of two representatives chosen for the Douglas County Youth Initiative’s one-year term to be a liaison between the younger generation and leadership in Douglas County.
The Douglas County Youth Initiative (DCYI) is a collaboration between two representatives of the younger generation and government leadership in Douglas County. Its purpose is to involve youth so that officials can assess and understand the needs of younger residents when making policy decisions.
Established in 2022, DCYI consists of a representative from the Douglas County School District (DCSD), the City of Castle Pines, the City of Lone Tree, the Town of Castle Rock, the Town of Parker, Douglas County Libraries and the Highlands Ranch Metro District through the Partnership of Douglas County Governments.
This year, DCYI received 27 applicants from teens, and the organization’s Advisory Board reviewed and selected five to be interviewed.
Castle Pines teen, Bella Heick, was chosen as one of the two DCYI representatives, who each serve a one-year term. (CJ Brammer of Castle Rock was chosen as the other representative). Heick (16) is a sophomore at Douglas County High School and the only female on the wrestling team (as well as across DCSD). Her team recently made it to the state tournament. In addition to being a student athletic trainer for her high school, she is also on the tennis team and involved with Future Business Leaders of America and on the Student Advisory Group for DCSD. Heick works at Sky Ridge Medical Center in their Future Careers Program. When she is not doing all the aforementioned, she enjoys skiing and hiking at Vail.
“Throughout the next year for the DCYI, I hope to make positive changes for the student community throughout the whole district by working with legislators and elected officials,” said Heick. “I want to help be a change for the better and have the student’s voice heard at a higher level.”
Castle Pines Councilmember Chris Eubanks serves on the Advisory Board and said, “While all five finalists were fantastic candidates, Bella, in particular, caught my attention. Her previous leadership and volunteer experience as well as her community engagement made her an ideal student representative for the DCYI.”
Heick and Brammer will attend an average of one meeting per month and be involved with planning several initiatives to include the Youth Congress, an event that brings adults and students together to discuss issues that affect today’s teens.
For more information, visit douglas.co.us/youth-initiatives.
Bella Heick on the mat at the regional tournament. She is the only female on her wrestling team at Douglas County High School as well as across the school district.
By Hollen Wheeler; photos courtesy of Bella Heick
