Lansdale junior councilperson Anna Szekely, right, receives her oath from Mayor Rachael Bollens as her father Andy, center, holds a Bible during the council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Lansdale Borough)
Anna Szekely is NPHS junior, daughter of former mayor
A new generation has arrived in Lansdale.
“We are starting with something super exciting tonight: we are swearing in our first-ever junior council member. Welcome, Anna Szekely,” said council President Meg Currie Teoh.
Last fall council issued a call for local teens interested in applying to the position, where a student can sit alongside council members, take part in deliberations, and share their thoughts on behalf of members of their generation, after a similar program debuted in North Wales in 2024.
During their Feb. 18 meeting Teoh introduced Szekely, a North Penn High School junior who’s “deeply committed to serving the Lansdale community,” and is a member of North Penn’s varsity cross country and track and field teams and UNICEF club, “and also gives back through babysitting, volunteering football games, and performing Christmas carols at a retirement home,” Teoh said.
Anna has also earned numerous awards for academics and musical skills, along with a varsity letter for cross-country, and her future plans include studying abroad, obtaining a four-year degree, and ultimately a master’s degree in secondary education.
“Anna believes that bringing younger voices to borough council will provide a wider variety of perspectives, when important decisions are made for our community,” Teoh said.
“We are proud to welcome Anna to the dais, and look forward to the insight and energy she’ll bring to borough council as our junior councilperson,” she said.
Borough Mayor Rachael Bollens then administered an oath to Anna as her father, former Mayor Andy Szekely, held a Bible, and the newcomer then took a seat between borough Manager John Ernst and councilman Mike Yetter
After a round of greetings, and other council business including nearly two hours of public comments largely centered on traffic and safety hazards, Ernst offered Anna a greeting, and an assignment.
“Anna was selected from among five North Penn High School candidates who applied for the role. She will be seated to my right for all of our upcoming council meetings, and rotate through the different committee meetings prior to each work session,” he said.
“Over time — and she doesn’t know this yet — over time, she will also present one or more committee reports to council, as she becomes familiar with the process. The department heads and I look forward to working with Anna, as we introduce her to the daily operations of the borough. So welcome; don’t be scared,” Ernst said.
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