A Political Beginning

Name: Salvador Rosas
Age: 17
School: Laguna Creek High School
Accomplishment: Student board representative for the Elk Grove Unified School District and Chair of the Elk Grove Youth Commission
Key to awesomeness: Dedication to being an advocate and resource for his peers

When Salvador Rosas looks to Washington, D.C. and the country’s leaders, he isn’t exactly impressed by the current situation. But it does motivate him.

“I think a lot of us realize there is a lot of work to be done,” said Rosas, a senior at Laguna Creek High School. “But I wouldn’t say I am turned off from it. If anything, it inspires me to get involved to make a difference.”

He may be only 17, but Rosas's political career has already begun. And he’s got the ear of Elk Grove's elected officials.

Rosas is the chair of the Elk Grove Youth Commission, an appointed group of students that works with and reports to the Elk Grove City Council. Each councilmember selects two students to represent the voice of the city’s teenagers.

He’s also one of two Laguna Creek students who serve as student board representatives for the Elk Grove Unified School District, a position selected by the school’s activities director.

“I enjoy being able to interact with people, to be an advocate for those who don’t have the courage or resources to speak up for themselves,” Rosas said.

Rosas has more to his resume, including president of the Laguna Creek chapter of the National Honor Society, club chair of the Associated Student Body at Laguna Creek, and Secretary of the Teen Action Committee for the Cosumnes Community Services District. Oh, and he participates in mock trial competitions.

Does he ever get tired of such a busy calendar and long for the simple teenage life?

“I find time to go out with my friends,” Rosas said. "I’ve been doing this since seventh and eighth grade, so I’ve been able to find this balance between my friends and other activities.”

This fall, Rosas will attend Georgetown University in (where else?) Washington, D.C.