First Night Worcester Youth Council

The Youth Council was inspired by the involvement and vision of Worcester, Massachusetts teenager, Caileigh Armatruda.

Although Caileigh enjoyed attending First Night events, she expressed to her mother how she wished that the celebration had more activities geared especially for teens. Her idea was that teens should be included and involved in planning the event.

Caileigh’s idea captured the interest and imagination of her mother Rose Hayes who, as president of First Night Worcester, brought the idea to an enthusiastic board of directors. However, before Caileigh herself could share in the realization and experience of the Youth Council, a cardiac arrhythmia would take her life. Caileigh died in September 2004 at the age of 13.

An ongoing fund in memory of Caileigh was established at First Night Worcester and along with a generous grant from The Hanover Insurance Group, the Youth Council became a reality in 2005.

In establishing the Youth Council, First Night Worcester engages area teenagers in planning teen oriented activities for the New Year’s Eve event. More than simply coming up with ideas, the Youth Council is responsible for design, development, production, selection, and implementation of a performance and activity venue specifically geared to the tastes and interests of area teenagers. In the course of planning events for First Night, teens on the Youth Council also learn about budget planning, project management, marketing, leadership, group dynamics and teamwork and are accountable for the results they produce.

The council is comprised of up to 15 teens who are selected each year from Worcester and surrounding towns. Applications are sent to area schools, youth centers, and religious organizations and available online in the spring of each year. Candidates are asked to describe their volunteer and community activities, personal interests, and how and why they could best serve the Youth Council. Candidates must also commit to fully participate in orientation and training, and regular council meetings which begin at the end of August.

This year’s Teen Venue will take place on the WPI campus at Alden Hall from 7:15 to 11:30 at which time all First Night celebrants congregate at Lincoln Square for an outdoor performance on the steps of Worcester Auditorium and to view the midnight fireworks.

For more information, contact info@firstnightwrocester.org. Contributions are grateful accepted and can be sent to:
First Night Worcester
Post Office Box 351
Worcester, MA 01614