Charles Gardner almost missed the news that he had been selected for the Arizona Governor’s Youth Commission.
He had skimmed past the email until Julian Cashman texted him personally and told him to check his inbox. “At first, I was confused,” Charles said. As he realized what the message meant, the confusion quickly turned to excitement.
Charles Gardner, a senior at Joseph City High School, is the only student from Navajo County serving on the commission this year. The Governor’s Youth Commission gives high school students from across Arizona’s 15 counties opportunities to develop leadership skills, serve their communities and work on issues affecting young people throughout the state.
A longtime FFA member and officer, Charles said service and leadership were what first attracted him to apply for the commission. He hopes the experience will also help him grow as a speaker and leader while giving him an opportunity to make a meaningful impact close to home.
During the commission’s first meeting at the Arizona State Capitol, members divided into groups focusing on different issues. Charles chose mental health, an area he believes is becoming increasingly important for young people.
His goal is to bring that work back to Navajo County by raising awareness about mental health resources already available to local teens.
“Oftentimes, the resources are right there, but no one knows where to find them,” he said. Charles said he is considering organizing assemblies in Holbrook, Winslow and Joseph City and hopes to work with schools, FFA chapters and community leaders throughout the area to make his vision a reality.
He said he was surprised by how much freedom he has to shape his work locally and by the possibilities for projects he could bring to the area. “How much of a difference I’m going to be able to make is what surprises me,” he said. “I’m excited to make a difference.”
