Burrell student to serve as Lower Burrell junior councilman

A teenager will be joining the ranks of Lower Burrell Council.

Jason Wagner, 17, will be the city’s junior councilman throughout the year, Mayor Chris Fabry said.

Wagner, a junior at Burrell High School, said he is looking forward to being involved in local politics.

“I want to show that involvement — especially as a youth — is incredibly important,” Wagner said.

Fabry said he thought the idea would be beneficial. He reached out to Fox Chapel officials, who have a student on its borough council, to get a better understanding of how its junior council program works.

“This is something I have envisioned doing for many years,” Fabry said. “I’ve spent a decade working with students at Burrell High School at various events and always wanted to incorporate them into council’s inter-workings.”

Fabry coordinated with John Boylan, Burrell High principal, to find an interested student.

“(Wagner’s) a bright, dynamic kid who’s really interested in public service,” Boylan said.

Wagner won’t vote on items before council, but he will sit in on meetings, Fabry said. He will serve until December.

Wagner said he wants to be more involved in his community and share opinions and ask questions on behalf of the city’s youths.

“That’ll be what I’m most excited for — to be able to engage,” Wagner said.

While being a part of the city council will be a new experience for Wagner, participating in community service is not. Wagner is the student representative on the Burrell School Board, plays football for Burrell, and is part of the school’s Rocketry Team.

He also is a member of the Lower Burrell American Legion’s honor guard and cooks breakfast for the Legion once a month.

Fabry said council is looking forward to working with Wagner and hearing his ideas.

“I’m very excited to introduce this initiative,” Fabry said. “I think it is important for us as a council to get additional viewpoints outside of the demographic on the dais. Having a student engaged and speaking on matters that mean the most to our youth is important.”