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Intro

One of my favorite parts of being on the Island has been getting to know the next generation of Island Leaders. The Sullivan's Island Youth Council has quickly become one of those bright spots that reminding us that the Island's future is in very good hands.

I've had the privilege of working alongside many of these students over the past year. When I reached out looking for volunteers to help clean Battery Gadsden before our Island 250 Veterans Celebration, they didn't hesitate. They suited up, showed up, worked hard, and never asked for recognition. They simply wanted to help. That's the kind of character you hope to see in young people. They are the future stewards of this Island and, more importantly, its future legacy keepers.

This month, we're introducing you to the president of the Sullivan's Island Youth Council, rising senior Riley Browder.

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"My name is Riley Browder. I'm 17 years old and a rising senior at Academic Magnet High School. When I'm not in school, you'll usually find me surfing, playing golf, hanging out with friends, or playing guitar."

For Riley, growing up on Sullivan's Island has always been about more than living near the beach.

"Living so close to the beach has given me eye opening experiences, both good and bad. From watching dolphins from the shore to seeing pieces of plastic scattered along the beach, I've become more aware of the importance of protecting our environment."

That perspective inspired Riley to partner the Youth Council with Sullivan's Island naturalist Rebecca Fanning to create interactive environmental experiences for Island youth this year.

"Through these programs, we hope to teach young people why it's important to protect and preserve the natural environment that makes our Island so special."

Like many Island kids, Riley measures his childhood in bike rides, school days, and lifelong friendships.

"I feel lucky to have spent my childhood here, from going to preschool at Holy Cross to being part of the first kindergarten class at the new Sullivan's Island Elementary School. Some of my best memories are riding bikes to school with my closest friends, many of whom are still my best friends today. Two of them are even part of the Youth Council now, which makes the work we're doing feel even more meaningful."

And perhaps the most Riley answer of all?

"My favorite memories are the countless lemonade stands my friends and I set up by the beach. Our famous marketing strategy was 'Pick Your Price.'"

The Sullivan's Island Youth Council exists to give local students a voice in their community while encouraging service, civic responsibility, and leadership.

"We're a group of local students who want to get more involved in our community, learn about how local government works, and find ways to give back to the Island. We focus on service, social responsibility, and helping young people feel more connected to what's happening on Sullivan's Island."

Riley's path to president started by watching his older brother serve on the original Youth Council. When that council dissolved after its members graduated, Riley decided it was time to bring it back.

"Academic Magnet requires community service hours for graduation, so it felt natural to put my time and effort back into the community that has given me so much. My leadership role was a natural progression to bring it back to life."

Today, Riley schedules meetings, creates agendas, works alongside town leaders, and helps fellow council members turn ideas into action.

One accomplishment stands above the rest.

"Getting the Youth Council started again is what I'm most proud of. It's given the youth of Sullivan's Island a new opportunity to get involved, give back, and make a difference."

That work is already making an impact. This past spring, the council partnered with WakeUp Carolina to host a drug safety education and Narcan training that welcomed more than 35 Island residents. Just weeks later, Riley learned that someone who attended the training was able to use what they learned to help save a life while traveling.

"That moment showed me that even a youth led organization can create meaningful change in the community."

Looking ahead, Riley hopes every council member will have the opportunity to create and lead projects of their own, from beach cleanups and boating safety courses to CPR training, babysitting classes, and environmental education.

His advice to younger Island kids is refreshingly simple.

"Anyone can participate, and no idea is too small. Community service comes naturally when it's something you really care about."

I'd say Riley and the Sullivan's Island Youth Council are proving exactly that. They aren't waiting until they're older to make a difference. They're doing it now, and Sullivan's Island is better because of it. I have a feeling this is only the beginning.