Michael Hughes, who will graduate from Knoch High School this year, merits praise for his service as the first junior member of Saxonburg Borough Council.

Hughes assumed his non-voting council role in 2003 in what was to be a six-month trial program. However, because of his exemplary service, he has continued to serve.

Hopefully, his successor will be as highly regarded as Hughes is within the borough's governing body. Hughes not only represented the younger residents of the borough, but he has been active in discussions regarding many aspects of council business.

But as much as Hughes merits high marks for his service, so does the borough council for implementing the program, which could be a valuable training ground for future governmental service by the young people lucky enough to be selected to serve.

Saxonburg's experience should inspire other communities to make such a program available.