Youth Council Executive Board

Dayana Allison (Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council)

Dayana Allison is a part of the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council in Cumberland County. She is a senior Cumberland International Early College High School. In her free time Dayana likes to work out, travel, spend time with family, play games, watch movies and cook.

What State Youth Council means to her and what she looks forward to this year: “SYC is an organization that is affiliated with fellow Youth leaders in our community. It is an organization that cherishes leadership and wants the best for various communities. SYC is an organization in which the youth can converse with adult leaders in their community to make a difference in the community and ultimately, the world. I'm looking forward to getting to know my fellow E-Board Peers more. I am also looking forward to meeting the wonderful peers within each Youth Council across North Carolina. Lastly, and most importantly, I'm looking forward to making a positive difference and to bring about positive change throughout the communities in NC.”

Israel James (Rocky Mount Area Youth Council)

Israel is a part of the Rocky Mount Area Youth Council in Nash/Edgecombe County. He is a junior at The North Carolina School of Science and Math. In his free time Israel likes to read the Holy Bible, have fun with family, research rocks and minerals, and make TikTok videos.

What State Youth Council means to him and what he looks forward to this year: “To me SYC is the gathering of North Carolina’s most dedicated youth to solve problems. I am excited for community service opportunities and helping my community in any way possible!”

Tariq Johnson (Concord Youth Council)

Tariq Johnson is a part of the Concord Youth Council in Mecklenburg County. He is a senior at Jay M. Robinson High School. In his free time Tariq likes to cook, bake, shop, thrift, listen to music, drive, play golf, watch Real Housewives, watch Netflix or Hulu, and read.

What State Youth Council means to him and what he looks forward to this year: “State Youth Council is a community that joins together on the basis of community service, leadership, and change-making throughout the state of North Carolina. I look forward to being able to use my voice to represent Concord in the State Youth Council.”

Ava Banner (Winston-Salem Youth Advisory Council)

Ava Banner is a part of the Winston-Salem Youth Advisory Council in Forsyth County. She is a junior at Ronald Wilson Reagan High School + Career Center. In her free time Ava likes to camp, debate, volunteer (specifically at the Betty and Jim Holmes Garden), and study any humanitarian subject.

What State Youth Council means to her and what she looks forward to this year: “The State Youth Council means community building and possibilities that can all help connect North Carolina youth into a tighter populace. The thing I am looking forward to the most would have to be the opportunities revolving around making a change across my state; I am very excited to see the outcome of our efforts in years to come.”