Campbell's Evan Low Set to Inspire Local Teens

Campbell Councilman was invited to speak to local teens at the Teen Inspiration Lecture Series, hosted by the Saratoga Youth Commission.

Low, who was the youngest Asian-American and openly gay mayor in the U.S., will speak about his experience in politics and how easy it is for local teens to get involved.

"I saw Evan Low speak last year for Silicon Valley Reads and thought, 'Wow, this guy is great,'" says Adam Henig, recreation supervisor and Saratoga Youth Commission staff adviser. "He embodies so much of this new generation. Obviously, the Asian-American community is very prevalent in the South Bay. That he's gay and open about it, and he's young ... He's come so far. It only makes him more attractive to the teens."

Low will be the first politician to be part of the series, which began back in 2005-06. The first speaker was an animator from Pixar and, subsequent to that, there were various entertainment professionals.

The topics have evolved from a more playful, personal tone into taking on stronger subjects and offering opportunities to get involved.

The crisis in Darfur and the topic and importance of organ donation have been some of the more stronger subjects tackled by the series.

"I gave him full creative control, but the theme of his talk will consist of two things," Henig says. "Part of the speech is on him and how he got to where he is, and the other part is why it's an important to be involved.

"Younger people clearly feel that they can get involved and see the ramifications if they do," he says.

The Saratoga Youth Commission is comprised of 18 middle and high school students who live in Saratoga but go to one of seven schools—Saratoga, , Lynbrook, Miller Middle, Archbishop Mitty, St. Francis and Harker Academy—and are appointed by the Saratoga City Council.

The event, Thursday at the Saratoga Civic Theater, is open to the public. Doors open 6:50 p.m., and the event begins at 7 p.m.

For more information about the free event, please contact Youth Commission adviser Adam Henig at 408-868-1272 or ahenig@saratoga.ca.us or visit facebook.com/saratogayouth.