Press Release

PLANO, TX – In light of National School Choice Week, which is designed to raise awareness of education options for children, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03) shared the following update on his 13th annual Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) for Collin County high school students: 

The Third District provides fantastic education opportunities for students – whether it be public, private, charter, or home schools – and each year I am blessed to work with some of our student leaders from across the District through CYAC.  It’s always a joy to see future generations get involved in their community and show an interest in serving others, and the CYAC Class of 2017 had a stellar fall semester!

Our first meeting was centered on Homeland Security – a hot topic of interest for many CYAC students.  They heard from special guests District Attorney Greg Willis, new Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Tom Petrowski.  Our speakers discussed national security at the local level.  Students also learned that ensuring Americans’ security is a team effort between local, state, and federal leaders.  Students then had the unique opportunity to take part in a guided tour of the Collin County Detention Center.

CYAC students’ second meeting began with the Congressional Veterans Commendation (CVC) Ceremony.  At this event, they learned about 10 local veterans with inspiring legacies of service.  Following the CVC, students learned about what it’s like to work in the halls of Congress by participating in a Q&A with my Chief of Staff and Legislative Director. 

The students’ first semester closed with Captain Sam Brown leading a testimonial meeting and Q&A.  Captain Brown is a former West Point graduate who was injured in Afghanistan when he was struck by an improvised explosive device.  Today, he uses his life experiences to encourage others to tackle obstacles and embrace taking on leadership roles.

As the new semester starts, I look forward to our “CYAC in the Community” service projects, during which students will have a chance to give back to their hometowns.  I am also eager to hear their ideas when they hold a Mock Congress later this spring.  The CYAC Class of 2017 has already proven to be a fantastic and intellectually engaged group of future leaders, and their parents and teachers should be proud! 

Johnson created the annual high school-centered CYAC in 2004 to gain insight from Collin County students and to inspire civic-minded young adults to achieve their full potential and begin building a legacy of service. 

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