Evan Grace at the Arizona Capitol. Photo by Merry Grace

An incoming sophomore at Maricopa High School has been appointed to the Governor’s Youth Commission.

Evan Grace, 15, was previously a member of the Maricopa Youth Council.

“I liked getting to give back to the city and I wanted to do more,” Evan said.

The Governor’s Youth Commission will give him that opportunity on a larger scale. It is comprised of 36-50 high school students.

The GYC holds quarterly meetings and coordinates special projects for youth in educational and volunteer activities. It is part of the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family.

Evan said he does not yet know what the GYC will be doing, but past commissions have worked at forming policy on education, homelessness and substance abuse. The GYC was established in 1989.

Often seen volunteering in the community for such causes as socks for soldiers and Relay for Life, Evan’s time on the Maricopa Youth Council last year included the Youth Town Hall. He said one of the issues they uncovered in Maricopa was the divide between youth and adults, and they sought ways to solve the underlying problems.

He said he wants to bring ideas he fostered in Maricopa up to the state level.

MHS administration recommended Evan for the appointment. He received a letter of recommendation from Mayor Christian Price and was interviewed at the Capitol. He found out about his appointment on Tuesday.

The approval letter stated, “In recognition of your outstanding achievement, we are pleased to offer you an appointment to the 2016-2017 Governor’s Youth Commission.  The application process was incredibly competitive with a high volume of applicants for the number of available spaces. Given your dedication to service and demonstrated leadership skills, we are thrilled to count you among this select group.”

Evan will be formally inducted into the Commission on Aug. 6.

Merry Grace, Evan’s mother stated, “(he) cannot wait to represent not only Maricopa High School but all of Maricopa.”