Starting off in its second year, the City of Gulf Shores announced the 17 members for 2025-2026 Junior City Council, a program for Gulf Shores students in grades 10-12.

"In the second year of this program, it continues to provide high school students with hands-on opportunities to learn about local government, develop leadership skills and serve their community," said Lindsey Hart, Gulf Shores' public engagement manager and city official over the program.

This year, there are five more students in the program compared to last year's junior council.

According to a Facebook post from the city announcing the 2025-2026 members, Ashley Watley and Owen Corcoran are teacher sponsors for the program, serving as mentors to the students.

Students attend monthly meetings from September to May, interact with city leaders and collaborate on community projects, like last year's junior council's Spring Market.

"We've seen firsthand the energy and creativity these students bring to our city," Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft said in the post. "Their work on the Spring Market and other projects shows just how much they care about Gulf Shores. We're excited to welcome a new group this year and look forward to seeing the positive difference they'll make."

As previously reported by GCM, Gulf Shores Junior City Council is only open to Gulf Shores City Schools students at this time. Applications for the 2026-2027 Junior City Council are set to open next summer.