Brookfield Student Brings Focus And Resilience To Youth Commission

BROOKFIELD, CT — Evan Lucas, a 17-year-old junior at Brookfield High School, is channeling his passion for civic involvement into action as a member of the Brookfield Youth Commission.

Lucas joined the commission after a teacher recommended him during his sophomore year. He had previously served on the school's Climate Committee, a group focused on student engagement within the high school. After attending a few Youth Commission meetings, he filed an application, which was approved by the town's Board of Selectmen.

The commission, composed primarily of students, aims to involve Brookfield youth in local government and civic life, and ensure that their voice and perspective are heard and included in relevant areas within the Town and schools.

“It’s essentially to try to get them to understand politics and be involved in their communities,” Lucas told Patch.

And involved he is. Lucas and the other commissioners organize events such as the town’s biennial candidate forum and an annual career day at the high school, which recently brought dozens of professionals to the high school to speak with students. While there are adult members serving in advisory roles, Lucas said the events are planned and executed primarily by students.

“The whole thing is student-run, which I really enjoy,” Lucas said. “It’s also a very inclusive and welcoming group, which was a big reason I wanted to join.”

Although the commission does not assign formal roles to student members, Lucas has earned respect for his collaborative style. “A big part of leadership is being able to speak with people honestly and earnestly,” he said. “I like to get input and feedback and invite the public to listen to the issues affecting youth.”

Lucas, who hopes to study political science and attend law school, said he values resilience in others. “If you can show me that even if there’s a huge problem, you can still work through it, that’s leadership to me.”

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