Underclassmen from prep school can shape nation’s future on council

Five students from Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, were selected to serve on the Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) created by Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6th District).
 

Juniors Varad Donwad, Miguel Castro and Michael Weikum and sophomores Aidan Dul and Armon Singh were selected to serve on the council, which was created in order to gain important insights from the high school students in the Sixth Congressional District.
 

“The CYA provides students with a unique opportunity for civic engagement. I’m ecstatic that we will have our students representing Saint Joe’s in our nation’s capital for such a rewarding experience,” said Ryan Lechner, social studies department chair at the private, Catholic all-boys college preparatory school operated by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.
 

With a belief that youth need to have an active role in shaping the nation’s future, the CYLC is designed to give community minded and civically engaged students an opportunity to share their insights directly with Congressman Pallone’s office and staff, according to a press release.
 

Members are appointed to a term that runs from January through August. In order to ensure that this opportunity is available to as many students as possible, students may only serve for a total of two years and are required to re-apply each year. During their term on the Youth Council, students learn about current issues facing their community, provide important feedback and have a unique experience to learn about the role of Congress in our democracy.
 

Requirements to serve on the council include completing an application that contained a personal statement between 250 and 500 words that explained the student’s interest in government and in serving as a Youth Advisory Council Member for Pallone; and two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to their interest in giving back to the community.