Tosh Foerster – Youngest Member of the Governor’s Youth Council

In early October, ARHS ninth grader Tosh Foerster was appointed to Governor Deval Patrick’s State Wide Youth Council. This is a great honor which requires Tosh to travel the Statehouse in Boston several times throughout the year and meet with other student and advisors.

Foerster will serve on this student group which examines issues involving youth throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and create solutions to these problems. This action-driven organization acts as an intermediary group and advises the Governor on concerns including bullying, theft and drug use. The group officially proclaimed October the “Anti-Bullying Month.” They also are working to ensure that tragic events similar to the one at Sandy Hook Elementary School do not happen in Massachusetts.

The Governor’s Youth Council is comprised of 28 members with two members from each county. Because there are two representatives per county, this ensures that each of the counties voices’ are heard. Each of the counties has an equal voice in the council. Students range in age from 14 to 22 years and are supervised by adults at each meeting.

In order to be appointed to the council, Foerster submitted a portfolio of previous leadership work, writing samples and an application: a process similar to an audition for a play.

“I believe I was appointed because I was so young. I am 14 years-old and therefore the “youth of the youth council! I am very open-minded but not easily swayed during a debate. I believe I will contribute greatly to the work of the council and be at its core.”