Between the chaos of studying for tests and involvement of multiple different school clubs, Danielle Kakish found time to complete a detailed application that would give her the chance to join a council for a local congresswoman. This council would allow her to contribute ideas to better her community. After she had sent the application and a few weeks had passed, Kakish noticed a message to her email that would invoke excitement and pride. This message, which would later appear in her mailbox in an official document form, granted her acceptance into the Youth Advisory Council.

Kakish, a junior at Revere High School, wants to pursue a career in politics. She applied to join the Youth Advisory Council to help advise Congresswoman Marcia Fudge on issues that affect her community. To apply, Kakish underwent a process in which she got a mandatory letter of recommendation from the principal and from one teacher. She also wrote four essays about issues that she deemed important to her. Fudge offered this opportunity to all students of the eleventh district, which includes Summit County and Cuyahoga County. From the applicants she chose twelve members and four alternates that would serve on the council. Fudge just implemented the council this year, so Kakish and the other elected members will serve during this inaugural year until December of 2016. Kakish described the duties and general purpose of the council.

“[The Youth Advisory Council] will be advising Marcia Fudge on issues that affect us as youth in our communities. We will be potentially helping with legislation and other programs that can be implemented in our schools and communities. Even though I’m the only student from Akron, I want to bring our issues to light. I want to make sure that our issues are not being overlooked,” Kakish said.

Jenny Kirchner, a guidance counselor at Revere High School, received the information about the application for the Youth Advisory Council. When news of leadership opportunities arise, Kirchner produces announcements and provides information for students who show interest in such opportunities. She mentioned the interest that many students showed to apply for the council and highlighted the character that she sees in the Revere student body.

“About thirty [students] were recommended or showed interest. They all received directions to apply to be on Congresswoman Marcia Fudge’s board. [Kakish] was the one [they picked] from our school, and most schools do not get students picked so we were really lucky. Interest in leadership opportunities from our student body improved the chances, [Fudge] probably felt compelled because she saw that all these Revere students put in the time to apply, that something special [was] going on in the body,” Kirchner said.

Kirchner, who encourages students to participate in leadership workshops and groups, recognized the character traits that many leaders possess. She complimented Kakish’s work ethic and mentioned the qualities that candidates for the council should show.

“[They looked for candidates with qualities such as] leadership, responsibility and maturity. Every applicant had those, but [Kakish] stood out. She is a go getter,” Kirchner said.

Kakish, who enjoys politics and helping her community, revealed the reasoning behind her excitement about participation on the council.

“I get to be involved in my community. Usually as youth our opinions do not really matter, so being on the council, I can give my input about different issues and make sure that as youth we do have a voice in politics. Our votes will count in the future, so it is important that we have a say now,” Kakish said.

Raeda Kakish, Kakish’s mother, knew about her daughter’s love for politics and her community. She expressed her pride in Kakish’s achievements and the benefits of her involvement in the council.

“I am very proud of her and her achievements, and I am happy that she has this opportunity to be involved in something that she is passionate about. I think being on the council will allow [Kakish] to be exposed to the issues affecting the whole district. She eventually wants to work in politics, so this will be a good chance for her to be involved while she is still young,” Raeda said.

The Youth Advisory Council will meet once every other month to discuss any issues that they would like to address. Fudge also invites the members to events that she attends around the community.

Staring at the email acknowledging her acceptance, Kakish beamed with satisfaction. Regardless of the lengthy application process, she knew her work had paid off, and she would soon have the ability to bring important issues to light and make a difference in her community.