High School Student wins seat on Irrigon City Council

IRRIGON, Ore. (AP) - Student government will take on a new meaning when an Oregon City Council swears in a high school senior.

Marlina Avila Serratos, 18, was elected to the post in Irrigon on Tuesday, The East Oregonian reported (https://is.gd/bZTy1i). She will be sworn in on Jan. 17 and serve a four-year term.

“I can’t believe it. It’s like my body’s numb,” said Avila Serratos, reacting to the news between classes at Irrigon Junior-Senior High School.

Avila Serratos essentially ran unopposed for her seat, as four candidates ran for four openings. She will fill the position vacant since Christine Sorenson died in January.

Avila Serratos says she became interested in applying for the position earlier this year after befriending a city manager.

The high school senior, whose mother lives in Mexico, says she is excited to represent Irrigon’s Hispanic population. Nearly a third of Irrigon’s 1,826 residents is Hispanic or Latino, according to the 2010 census.

Avila Serratos said she thinks Irrigon could appeal to more families if they focus on improving schools and engaging young people through community events.

“I want (Irrigon) to be a place where people said it grew so fast, and became a place where people could bring their kids,” Avila Serratos said.

Avila Serratos said she is nervous for her first day, but that she has received good advice about how to handle her new power.

“Nothing is impossible,” she said, “You can do it. Don’t let anything hold you back.”

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Information from: East Oregonian, https://www.eastoregonian.com