For Ryan Snell, the sky’s the limit for public service

September 14, 2009

Last spring, Kennewick middle school student Ryan Snell was chosen to represent the 8th Legislative District on the Lt. Governor’s Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) in Olympia – the formal voice for Washington teens in the state Legislature.   At LYAC’s first meeting in August, Ryan was elected Legislative Affairs Chair. Last spring, Kennewick middle school student Ryan Snell was chosen to represent the 8th Legislative District on the Lt. Governor’s Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) in Olympia – the formal voice for Washington teens in the state Legislature.

At LYAC’s first meeting in August, Ryan was elected Legislative Affairs Chair.

“As Legislative Affairs Chair, I’m in charge of Action Day at the state Capitol,” said Ryan. “That means we visit with legislators and testify on bills that LYAC wants to support. Between now and the Legislative Session, LYAC members will create a list of priorities. Then we’ll ask our senators and representatives to support them.”

Sen. Delvin recommended Ryan for membership in LYAC after meeting him at Horse Heaven Hills Middle School during a Project Citizen event. He was immediately impressed with Ryan’s aptitude and leadership skills. Ryan is a Junior National Honor Society member with a 3.9 grade point average.

“I could see he was in tune with what teens want,” Delvin said. “He was involved, informed and clearly had the ability to organize and challenge the issues important to our youth in Washington state.”

With Project Citizen, Ryan helped research and plan legislation requiring physical education for all students grades K through 12. They asked Sen. Delvin to introduce it in the 2010 Legislature.

While Ryan’s current goal is to be accepted into the Air Force Academy to become a pilot, he’s also seriously interested in political service.

“I’d like to be a Washington state representative or senator,” said Ryan. “In fact, I can see myself someday running for governor and eventually even President of the United States.  LYAC is an amazing first step for getting really involved with the Legislature. It gives you a feel for what it’s like to be in government service. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in making a difference.” 

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Sen. Delvin represents the 8th Legislative District, which includes
Richland, Kennewick, Benton City, and Prosser.

Additional contact: Pat Albright at (360) 786-7519 or albright.pat@leg.wa.gov