The North Youth Council is ready to start working on behalf of young people in Old Massett, Masset, Tow Hill and Port Clements following a successful election day Saturday (March 5).Eight candidates were running for eight positions, but Haida Health Hub outreach worker Harmony Williams said they decided to keep things interesting by offering a prize to the person who received the most votes.A total of 227 votes were cast in the election, either by people attending the Saturday afternoon event at the Old Massett community hall, or phoning their votes in. All the candidates had booths at the hall and made speeches."There were some pretty spectacular displays," Ms Williams said. "It turned out really well."Results were close, and Savannah Samuels ended up winning the most votes, Ms Williams said. The other members are Chantel White, Shaylene Abrahams, Curtis Brown, Marsha Therrien, Shania Williams, Shane Bell and Kiefer Collison.The new youth council then decided by consensus that it would be better to divide up the prize than to award it to one person, Ms Williams said. They will each be receiving a $100 gift certificate.The council was to hold its first meeting Monday night, and Ms Williams said one of the concerns they would be discussing is the fact that all the representatives are from Old Massett. No candidates came forward from Masset, Tow Hill or Port Clements, although the youth council will be representing those areas. How to reach out to those communities will be on the council's agenda.Ms Williams said other issues the youth council may tackle include increasing opportunities to play sports other than basketball in islands communities, encouraging more volunteer support from parents and community members, and promoting positive lifestyle choices for young people.