FCYC students develop leadership skills; Interest meeting Sept. 8

Published on September 03, 2025

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council (FCYC) is proud to reflect on a year of growth, service and youth leadership that elevated student voices across the community, state and nation. With a mission to serve as a voice for youth in a youth-led organization, FCYC continues to build leaders while strengthening the connection between generations in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

Throughout the year, FCYC engaged in several exciting opportunities that helped raise awareness about youth-led initiatives. Last year, FCYC participated in a Leadership Summit, where members learned directly from community leaders and gained insight into leadership skills they can apply to their own work and service. Students also participated in a Mini-Grant Conference, where they reviewed and selected grants to fund youth programs across North Carolina.

In March, FCYC members joined Fayetteville City Council Members for the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C. Each year, the NLC brings together youth councils from across the nation for peer-led sessions developed and facilitated by youth representatives on NLC’s Council on Youth, Education and Families, giving FCYC members a chance to connect on a national scale.

The year concluded with the State Youth Council’s Spring Convention in Winston-Salem, where members celebrated achievements and participated in elections for the upcoming year. During the convention, Trevor Mayfield Jr. was honored with the Growth Award, presented to a senior who demonstrated outstanding leadership and personal development, while Rylen Mack was elected as Chair of the State Youth Council for the 2025–2026 term.

“These experiences provide our youth opportunities to lead and allows youth perspectives to be heard in spaces that shape our community on a local, state and national level,” said Tyshica Smith-Tucker stated.

As FCYC looks ahead to another impactful year, students are invited to get involved. The 2025–2026 Interest Meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. at the FCYC office, 725 West Rowan Street. High school students in Fayetteville and Cumberland County are encouraged to attend the meeting and learn how they can make a difference in the community, be a voice for their peers and develop leadership skills through FCYC. An interest form is encouraged to be submitted prior to the meeting.

For more information about the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council, visit FayettevilleNC.gov/FCYC.

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