Hickory High student, president of Cabarrus County Youth Commission, describes student leadership role

Kavia Sixena introduced herself as a rising senior at Hickory High School and as president of the Cabarrus County Youth Commission, describing the commission as a teen-led organization that gives students direct experience with local government.

"The Youth Commission has really developed me as not just a person but as a leader," Sixena said, explaining that the group brings together students from multiple high schools to discuss pressing community issues, to meet professionals from different career fields, and to collaborate on solutions that affect teens.

Sixena said participation helps students understand the implications of local government decisions and learn how to advocate for issues that directly impact young people. She described the commission's work as providing leadership development and opportunities to influence local policymaking.

The remarks did not specify particular initiatives, dates, or formal requests to the board; those details were not provided in the transcript.