The Alabaster Teen Council unites youth through fun and friendship.
By members of the Alabaster Teen Council
The Alabaster Teen Council is stepping up to keep this summer, fun, and community alive for local teens. From movie nights on the city green to epic Slip ’n Slide events, this youth-led initiative is providing safe, affordable, and exciting ways for students to stay engaged all summer long. “Without school every day, summer can often be lonely and isolating,” says Zarah Ryan-Coker, a rising senior at Thompson High School. “But through events like our Teen Movie Nights, students can connect with peers outside the classroom and create friendships they’ll carry with them into the school year.”
These events aren’t just about fun—they’re about creating a sense of belonging. “In a world that is becoming increasingly distant, community events bridge the gap,” says Kaelci Theuri. “The Teen Council has the privilege of providing teens with opportunities to bond and avoid bad influences through our summer events.” For many Teen Council members, the events are more than just creating fun memories—they’re opportunities to give back. “I love getting to help organize and serve at our summer events,” shares Leah McCay. “They’re fun, welcoming, and help teens grow relationships beyond the school year.”
Structured gatherings like movie nights offer something special. “They’re the perfect chance to hang out in a fun and vibrant atmosphere,” says Madison McNichols. “Plus, they’re free, and we have really affordable concessions!” Whether it’s catching a film with friends, making new ones on the lawn, or cooling off at the Slip ’n Slide, these events are designed to strengthen ties and create lifelong memories. “It’s about creating safe and awesome spaces for teens to socialize,” says Simone Jones. “We’re helping teens make healthier choices and offering something they can look forward to every summer.”
Community involvement is at the heart of it all. “These events help teens stay connected with each other and the city,” says Thuy Nguyen. “They bring friends together in a way that’s fun and meaningful.” Whether teens have attended events before or they’re first-time guests, the Alabaster Teen Council invites everyone to be part of something special this summer. Events are free, the memories are priceless, and the impact is lasting.
Summer 2025 Teen Events Schedule
Movie Night 1, June 3–Municipal Green @ 6 p.m.
Movie Night 2, June 24–Municipal Green @ 6 p.m.
Slip ’n Slide, July 15–Municipal Park
Movie Night 3, August 5–Municipal Green @ 6 p.m.
Bring friends, a blanket or lawn chair, and get ready for an unforgettable summer with the Alabaster Teen Council!
New Members of the Alabaster Teen Council Introduce Themselves
I’m Zarah Ryan-Coker, a rising senior at Thompson High School. I think the events the Teen Council puts on, specifically Teen Movie Nights, create a sense of community among young people. It’s events like these that I once attended and now get to help make a reality that make our teen community feel close-knit and like a family!
Hello, I am Kaelci Theuri, a rising senior at Thompson High School. The Teen Council has had the privilege of providing teens with opportunities to socialize and interact with others through movie events and slip and slides. I have loved being able to help host these events and revive energy throughout the summer!
Hi, I am Kelsi Higgins, a rising sophomore at Thompson High School. Summer distance may try to keep us apart; however, Teen Council events hold us together. Movie nights bring friend groups together to enjoy a film and each other’s company. Having a structured event provides an easy and accessible way to stay connected.
Hello, I’m Leah McCay, and I am a rising senior at Thompson High School. I love getting to help organize and serve at the various events the teen council offers in the summer. It really lends itself to creating opportunities for the Alabaster teen community to grow our relations beyond just the school year.
Hi, my name is Brooklyn Oliver, and I am a rising senior at Thompson High School. One of my favorite teen council events is our summer movie nights! It always brings people together in such a fun and relaxed way. It gives teens a chance to bond and meet new friends in a comfortable environment.
Hi, my name is Kaylah Brown, a rising senior at Thompson High School. I believe teen council events provide a warming sense of connection for many teenagers in our community. The teen movie nights are a prime example, allowing Alabaster teens to connect with one another, grab a snack, and enjoy a good movie, all while being just minutes away from their homes.
I am Simone Jones, a rising junior at Thompson High School. During the summer, many teenagers may find themselves attempting to fit in with certain social cliques or wanting a fresh new start, but not sure how to achieve it. And sometimes teenagers end up in positions that aren’t good influences for them. Alabaster Teen Council offers teenagers a chance to have fun each and every summer, by hosting teen movie nights, bonfires, slip and slides, and more.
My name is Madison McNichols, and I’m going into my senior year. One of my favorite Teen Council events is the teen movie nights. They’re an awesome way to make new friends and catch up with old ones amidst the summer chaos. I love this event because it really brings our teen community together, creating safe and awesome spaces for socializing and having fun.
Hello, my name is Thuy Nguyen, and I am a rising senior on the Alabaster Teen Council. Throughout the summer, we plan and host a variety of events to connect the community, especially families and the city’s youth. Our movie nights provide a great opportunity for community members of all ages to relax and spend quality time together. Additionally, we host the annual Slip ’n Slide event—it’s a fun and refreshing way to cool off and enjoy the summer. Overall, our events offer safe, exciting opportunities for the community to come together.
I am Lauren Blackmon, a rising senior at Thompson High School, and I believe that the events that the Teen Council hosts allow teens in our community to be connected with their peers.
Hi, I am Morgan McNichols, a rising senior at Thompson High School. I believe the Teen Council does an excellent job of connecting with teenagers. In fact, one of the main reasons I decided to join was because of the impact it had on me during my freshman year of high school. Whether it’s through movie nights, CityFest, or community volunteer opportunities, the Alabaster Teen Council is always finding fresh and meaningful ways to engage with teens.