U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03) recently announced the 2015-2016 Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) participants, which include Faith Lutheran High School junior Paul Merritt of Plano.
Merritt is one of eighty seven Collin County high school students who were selected by a community board to serve on the council due to their outstanding leadership skills, academic performance, extra-curricular activity participation, and community service.
"We are honored that one of our exceptional Faith Lutheran School students has been selected to participate in this prestigious program," said Faith Lutheran School Headmaster Rev. Stephen W. Kieser. "Paul is a dedicated student and hard working individual who will make an incredible contribution to the community and beyond through his work with this group."
Merritt hopes to attend West Point Military Academy following his graduation from Faith Lutheran High School of Plano. He found out about the Congressional Youth Advisory Council program last year while attending Congressman Sam Johnson's informational meeting for those seeking nomination for an appointment to the academies.
Merritt enjoys spending time outdoors and loves camping, hiking, fishing, and playing competitive Airsoft matches with friends.
He is working to complete his Eagle Scout requirements and plays in the Circle 10 Silver Eagle Scout band. He is a well-rounded student and enjoys math and German. He also works for PSA as a soccer referee.
“We’ve got a great group of students this year – they’re bright, talented, and highly driven to make an impact in their community,” said Johnson. “Now more than ever, it’s imperative that our young people not only understand how our democracy works, but get involved so that they can make positive, wise contributions to our country. That’s why I’m looking forward to hearing from these CYAC ‘student ambassadors’ on the issues that matter most to them and their peers and also to joining them in giving back through our CYAC in the Community service projects.”
Congressman Johnson created CYAC in 2004 to gain insight from students in the 3rd District and to inspire civic-minded young adults to achieve their full potential. The group meets roughly twice each school semester with Congressman Johnson and distinguished guest speakers. During the CYAC activities, high-caliber students explore the role citizens, lawmakers, and experts play in a vibrant democracy.
“I congratulate the students of the 2015-2016 Congressional Youth Advisory Council and I thank all our students who applied,” Johnson continued. “We had hundreds of applicants this year, and moving forward CYAC will be a one-year program to allow more students the opportunity to participate – because Collin County has an abundance of exceptional students! With that in mind, I encourage those who are interested in serving on the 2016-2017 Council to apply next fall!”
About Faith Lutheran School
Faith Lutheran School is fully accredited and provides classes from pre-school three-year-olds through the twelfth grade. School curriculum is based on the classical model of education. In 1971, the congregation of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, Texas established a four-year-old preschool for children of the congregation. Since then, the school has grown and opened enrollment to others in the community on a tuition basis. The school's educational program also includes both sports and the fine arts. To learn more about Faith Lutheran School, please visit the school's web site at www.flsplano.org or call 972.423.7448.