World’s Strongest Violinist Evan Pittman has been appointed to Governor Ducey’s Youth Commission (GYC) for 2016-2017. The GYC, comprised of more than 50 high school students representing all 15 counties in Arizona, has been serving the Grand Canyon State since 1989. The group focuses on helping to solve the greatest issues facing teens in Arizona, and the five issues that commissioners will focus on primarily this year are substance abuse, bullying, teen dating violence, distracted driving, and promoting civics education among youth. 

Evan will work on the Civics committee, and  participate in and promote youth service projects during the year, and will encourage other students to do the same.  No stranger to volunteerism and service projects, Evan logged more than 100 volunteer and service hours in 2015, and received the Presidential Volunteer Service award for his efforts.  Being part of the Civics committee and promoting civics education is a natural fit for the Arizona teen, who won both the 2015 Joe Foss Institute national essay competition and the 2016 Americanism essay competition at Arizona Boys State.  

The state of Arizona currently holds the world’s number one ranking in youth led service projects for Global Youth Service Day. Last year Arizona youth served over 94,000 volunteer hours, and with the GYC helping lead those efforts, the state hopes to top that number for the 2016-2017 school year. 

For additional information on the Arizona Governor’s Youth Commission,  visit the website http://beseenbeheard.az.gov for updates on programs, events, and campaigns that engage Arizona youth.  To read more, you can also visit the Paradise Valley Independent http://paradisevalleyindependent.com/news/ducey-announces-governors-youth-commission-selections-of-2016-17/