Vista del Lago High School Junior Aashish Palikhey was selected to join California Assemblymember Jose Medina's Youth Advisory Committee.
“I am elated to be a part of Assemblymember Medina’s committee and it’s a tremendous honor to be able to represent my school and community on such a platform. I believe it’s crucial that we move towards the direction of hope and meaningful change, which is what I hope to do through this committee,” said Palikhey. “Furthermore, given our current social and political climate, I believe this is an invaluable opportunity to have an impact on my community while simultaneously learning and being involved in government.”
The Youth Advisory Committee gives students living in the 61st Assembly District the opportunity to learn the inner workings of state government and the legislative process. For the 2020-2021 school year, Youth Advisory Committee members will meet virtually on a monthly basis to discuss issues important to their communities and share ideas on youth related issues. Students are required to apply to be considered for the committee.
“We are proud of Aashish for applying and being selected to serve on this important committee, said Vista del Lago Principal Erik Swanson. “We are glad to have our school and district represented and know that he will play a meaningful role.”
This is not the first time he has been involved in an advisory committee.
“Earlier this year, Aashish was invited to participate in my Superintendent’s Student Advisory,” said Moreno Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora. “Student voice is essential because they are the ones we serve; they are the ones we think about in every single decision-making process that occurs.”
The Superintendent’s Student District Advisory is an opportunity for students to express how they feel about their education and share their thoughts, experiences and feedback regarding a variety of school-related topics.
“We value the feedback and information that our students provide us,” said School Board President Dr. Marsha Locke. “Students have a unique perspective that provides us with a better understanding of what we can do to support them.”
Each year, a group of high school students are selected to participate in meetings throughout the year. This year, both middle and high school students were included in the Superintendent’s Student District Advisory.
The first Youth Advisory Committee meeting was held on November 18 with Councilmember David Rabb as the guest speaker. The next meeting will be on December 16, 2020.
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