Spotlight on
Volunteers – Brady Casson
Brady Casson is First President of Cottonwood’s Youth Commission
The city of Cottonwood Youth Commission was formed in August as a direct, powerful voice for the community’s youth. The commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Cottonwood City Council. Many future issues that come before the city council will first be presented to the Youth Commission so they can provide input into the community’s decision-making process.
Elected as first president of the Youth Commission, 17 year old Brady Casson says, “All of the commission members have positive ambitions for the community, and the elbow grease to back them up.”
The commission members are already making things happen. They’ve held a chili cook-off and a Rock ‘n Block party. Everyone on the commission agrees that they want to help members of the community—mainly the youth—by providing community services and fun, safe entertainment. One long term goal is to provide scholarships to disadvantaged youth. “All of the commission members drool at the thought of a youth center,” Casson shares, “But that battle is not to be won in a day.”
A Mingus Union High School senior, Casson has always cared for his community. He remembers helping clean up Doctor Daniel Bright Elementary School after it was vandalized. He and his brother Bill volunteered to help clean up. “I was a student at the school, and enjoyed the thought that I was helping restore it. A few weeks after the incident, I received the American Citizenship Award, which was an award given to all the volunteers. While it was just a piece of paper, it seemed like the world to me. Since then, I have enjoyed helping others with no need for a reward.”
Casson thinks there is no better way for youth to stay out of trouble, earn valuable life experiences and feel good about themselves than by helping other people. Within the next five years, he sees the commission sponsoring at least two major events each year that strike interest in the entire community. He says boredom and lack of activities are among the biggest concerns for the community’s youth. This boredom can lead to less than desirable results like vandalism, drug use, or other problems. The Youth Commission is currently working toward some solutions. “The Youth Commission can and will effect positive change in the Cottonwood area by using the dedication and energy of all of the commission members. It is amazing what 12 highly motivated youth can accomplish,” Casson says.
Rather than sitting around complaining, Casson advises youth to volunteer, work, do homework, play sports, or use their imaginations. “The Youth of the community have all of those options available to them.”
For the adults in the community, Casson asks them to listen to the youth. “The children of today are going to be running the city tomorrow. We need to provide options for the children to help them grow and develop in a positive environment that will help them grow as individuals.”
When he’s not serving his community, Casson loves sports. He just finished his last high school swim season. He is on the soccer team, and enjoys tennis in the spring. “I may not be the best, but it’s all about the love of the game. I also love video games. Any of my friends who read this article will be thinking ‘love is just an understatement.’” Casson quips. He says between homework and sports, he does not have much time for video games, despite what his friends think.
If he could get every single community member to do just one thing, it would be to make an effort. “I don’t know how many times my dad has told me to “put some E” into what I do, but I feel that is actually the key,” Casson says. His father is the Cottonwood Fire Chief, and his mother teaches seventh grade language arts at Cottonwood Middle School. His brother attends the University of Arizona in Tucson.
Casson tries to live up to his favorite James Dean poster, “Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.” He says, “While that is a hard idea to live by, I think it is the best way to live.”
Jason Little of the Cottonwood Parks and Recreation Department is the city’s liaison for the Cottonwood Youth Commission. He can be reached at 634-3200. Matias Sandoval serves as adult advisor. Stay tuned as Youth Commission leaders continue to make decisions and facilitate activities for the entire community’s betterment—with a focus on youth.
Spotlight on Volunteers is written by Diane Joens on behalf of the Cottonwood City Council. Council members recognize the invaluable contributions volunteers make to the betterment of city government and the community. There are many opportunities to volunteer and make a positive difference. Council members encourage everyone to get involved. Volunteer today!