Tara Mejia

Youthful enthusiasm and a spirit of community volunteerism are the wheels that turn the Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission. Entering its second year, the commission is a direct, powerful voice for the community’s youth. Recently elected officers are President Tara Mejia, Vice President Josh Arthur, Secretary James Cook and Treasurer Jessica DeMar. Commissioners serve in an advisory capacity to the Cottonwood City Council.

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. “Just one person can make a difference,” President Mejia believes.

Last year’s events included a chili cook-off and Rock ‘n Block party. The commissioners helped the Light Heart Foundation wrap holiday gifts for the elderly and assisted Stewards of Public Lands with a cleanup project. Community partnerships with Mingus Mountain Real Estate, Lewis Rice and Northern Arizona Rehab and Fitness enabled the commissioners to treat Boys and Girls Club kids to an Out of Africa day. Commissioners walked with the House of Ruth and Relay for Life. They also donated gifts to the Verde Valley Sanctuary. Everyone on the commission agrees they want to help members of the community—mainly youth—by providing community services and fun, safe entertainment.

A senior at Mingus Union High School, President Mejia says, “The Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission is a group that makes our community a better place. We are for the youth and by the youth. We do volunteer projects for the community. We also use all the money we raise through fundraisers to provide teenagers with activities and events to participate in.”

The Youth Commission worked at the recent Rhythm and Ribs community event. They raised $933 for future projects. They are discussing a possible November concert and have established several planning committees. Mejia says the Youth Commission’s motto is “dream big” and their reward is having fun. They will soon be firming up plans for this year’s activities.

Cottonwood Parks and Recreation’s Recreation Coordinator Jason Little is the city’s liaison for the Cottonwood Youth Commission. He believes President Mejia’s leadership and management style is based on her ability to build solid relationships with her fellow commissioners. “It is hard to fill the shoes of outgoing president Brady Casson, but if anyone can effectively lead and help the commission accomplish their goals and objectives, it is Tara Mejia,” Little exclaims.

President Mejia says adults in the community may help the Youth Commission by finding out what the Commission is about and encouraging their children to attend events. “They can also help by coming to us with creative fundraising ideas or community service projects. We meet every second Tuesday of the month and we always have a call to the public. We are very open to suggestions. We want the community to come to us so we know how to better help the community. The public is always welcome,” she states.

Born and raised in Cottonwood, Mejia is the daughter of Justin and Melinda Swiger. She has three brothers and two sisters. She says her mother has always pushed her to be a good, helpful, hardworking person. “My mom has always helped me see that I can achieve amazing things. As I got into high school and became a freshman I always looked up to the girls that were involved in helping their communities and schools.” President Mejia says a girl named Emma Hayes, who was the senior class president when she was a sophomore, inspired her. She says Hayes was an extraordinary volunteer and put a lot of time and effort into bettering the school.

Boredom and lack of activities are among the biggest concerns for the community’s youth. Boredom can lead to less than desirable results like vandalism, drug use, or other problems. President Mejia supports the proposed Cottonwood Community Recreation and Aquatics Center.

“Youth really don't have a place to go and hang out where they can stay out of trouble. I think a Recreation Center would reduce drug abuse in teens, because when kids are involved in something good it gives them no time too get in trouble,” Mejia says. She feels the intergenerational Recreation Center would bring the community closer together and help families bond. A Recreation Center would give latchkey kids a safe place to go. She’d also like to see a youth center established and summer camps set up for all ages.

When she’s not leading activities in the community, Mejia loves to work with art because it inspires her creativity. She likes history—especially the study of wars—and English. She is currently applying for scholarships and plans to attend an instate university. She’s interested in designing clothes and her ambition is to travel. In her spare time, she loves to swim, work out, and shop in thrift stores. She likes spending time with family and friends, listening to music, painting and sculpting.

If she could get every person in Cottonwood to do just one thing, Mejia would ask them to play a game she learned at church camp called Kajabe jabe. “It’s a game where you’re against all odds but with the help of your teammates (=community) you can persevere,” Mejia says.

Jason Little is the city’s liaison for the Cottonwood Youth Commission. He can be reached at 634-3200. Matias Sandoval is the adult advisor.