Malvern junior Leon Stimpson has been selected as one of 21 young people appointed to the Philadelphia Youth Commission, a panel of young Philadelphians who will review legislation and policies that affect youth and advise the mayor and city council on those issues.

The Youth Commission will hold monthly meetings, and the Commission members will also meet monthly with their appointing council members or the mayor’s staff. Stimpson, of South Philadelphia, was appointed by Councilman-at-Large Bill Green.

“I was absolutely ecstatic when I learned that I was appointed to the Commission,” said Stimpson. “We will be able to give the mayor the youth perspective, to let our voices be heard and help the mayor and city council understand why things are happening.”

Youth Commissioners will not be able vote on legislation, but they will make public recommendations and reports about issues that make an impact on youth, and also take positions on legislation before city council.

As for his goals of the Youth Commission, Stimpson cited reducing violence, promoting education, with a focus on the arts, and improving the parks and recreation facilities in Philadelphia. He also feels that his experience at Malvern Prep can be an asset to the Commission.

“Violence and education are directly related,” Stimpson said. “We have such a ‘quick money’ culture on the streets. If we can promote education, and especially the arts, in my mind, then we can keep kids in school, help more kids go to college and start to change that money culture. We can show them what is out there in the long run. I have been active in the theater at Malvern Prep, and for me, that experience has improved my communication skills and helped me to gain confidence in myself. I have gained more respect for the arts since being at Malvern, and I think that a strong arts program can improve the public schools in Philadelphia.”

“Malvern Prep has given me perspective on the possibilities that are out there,” Stimpson continued. “I can show city council what is possible when hard work meets opportunity.”