A Peoria Unified School District student has been selected to serve on the 2026-27 Governor's Youth Commission (GYC), the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family announced this month. Bemihret Kassaw, a junior at Ironwood High School, is one of just 69 high school sophomores, juniors and seniors chosen statewide to represent all 15 Arizona counties on the commission.

Selected through a competitive application process, commissioners serve a one-year term working alongside peers from across the state to share perspectives on local needs and develop youth-led initiatives. Commissioners will work through five workgroups partnering with community organizations to lead service projects, outreach efforts and civic engagement activities across the state.

Established in 1989, the GYC is Arizona's statewide youth advisory body, engaging high school students in volunteerism, service-learning, civic engagement and collaboration with state and local partners. 

Peoria Unified School District congratulates Kassaw on this recognition and looks forward to following his work representing our students and community on the statewide stage.