Today, Congressman Van Taylor announced graduates of the 2019 – 2020 Congressional Youth Advisory Council. This marks the inaugural class of Congressman Taylor’s youth program for Texas’ Third Congressional District.
PLANO - Today, United States Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) announced graduates of the 2019 – 2020 Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC). This marks the inaugural class of Congressman Taylor’s youth program for Texas’ Third Congressional District.
"I want to congratulate the forty one students who graduated from this year’s Congressional Youth Advisory Council,” said Congressman Taylor. “To every member of our Council, each of you has the potential to shape our nation in bold new ways, and I thank you for your unwavering commitment to this program even amidst adversity.”
The CYAC was formed in 2004 under then-Congressman Sam Johnson as an opportunity for civic-minded high school students in Texas’ Third Congressional District to learn more about the development of public policy while exploring the role of citizens, lawmakers, experts, and those institutions that directly impact the world’s most successful democracy.
“I thoroughly listened to all of the stories, advice, and information these meetings had to offer, and I would highly recommend this program to any student looking to become more involved in their local government,” said James Barta, a CYAC graduate and student from Plano East High School.
Inaki Romero-Garza who attends John Paul II High School said, "The biggest takeaway I have from the CYAC is the power of the youth. It’s about how we take information and impact our generation, but it goes a lot further to how we carry a legacy for other generations. CYAC showed me where I can go, and helped me create a vision for myself of how I want to create an impact and where I want to carry my life."
During the 2019 - 2020 academic year, students had the opportunity to:
Attend and volunteer at the Congressional Veterans Commendation Ceremony honoring Third District veterans for their wartime efforts and peacetime community involvement;
Participate in a judicial panel discussion with representatives from federal, state, and county courts;
Gain insight on how various law enforcement partners work in tandem to maintain public safety;
Discuss critical issues with Congressman Taylor including government response to the COVID-19 pandemic;
Take part in a virtual year-end recognition ceremony with special guest speaker, Nick Marino, on how to make a lasting impact on the community through service above self.
2019 - 2020 Congressional Youth Advisory Council Class
A 7th generation Texan, Van Taylor is a dedicated family man, successful businessman, and decorated Marine Officer. Taylor served Collin County both in the Texas House and Senate. Today, Taylor is proud to serve on the House Committee on Financial Services.
