Two Bellevue residents have been appointed to the Legislative Youth Advisory Council.

Andrew Kranseler, a student at Newport High School, and Atul Vaidyanathan, a student at University Preparatory Academy in Seattle, were named to the council by Lt. Gov. Brad Owen. Nine other students also were appointed.

The council of 14 to 18-year-olds was established in 2005 to give the Legislature advice on issues related to education, health and fitness, test reform, school safety and other topics related to youth.

The council consists of 22 members who serve two-year terms and if eligible, may be reappointed for subsequent two-year terms. They can meet up to six times a year.

Kranseler and Vaidyanathan were chosen from a pool of 58 applicants statewide, representing 10 of the state’s 49 legislative districts. A review committee from the council screened the applicants and made their recommendations to the lieutenant governor.

More information about the council can be found on the lieutenant governor’s Web site at http://www.ltgov.wa.gov, the LYAC Web site at http://lyac.leg.wa.gov/ or by sending an e-mail to lyac@leg.wa.gov.