October 15, 2024

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Parker Williams, Chair KYHSD

(859) 230-4190

Kentucky@hsdems.org

Kentucky High School Democrats Chair Granted Ex Officio Seat on State Central Executive Committee: A Milestone for Youth Involvement in Politics 

FRANKFORT, KY— Kentucky High School Democrats (KYHSD) is a student-led statewide organization that empowers high school students across the Commonwealth to embrace progressive values and engage in political activism year-round. 

The Kentucky High School Democrats are proud to announce that the Kentucky Democratic Party (KDP) has voted to grant Parker Williams, Chair of the Kentucky High School Democrats, an ex officio seat on the State Central Executive Committee (SCEC) during its September 21, 2024 meeting. This historic decision affirms the importance of youth voices in shaping the direction of the party and advocating for the future of our state. 

This move demonstrates the KDP's commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and recognizing young people's critical role in advancing progressive policies. By providing the Kentucky High School Democrats with a committee seat, the party is taking a significant step toward including diverse perspectives and ensuring that decisions reflect the needs and priorities of all Kentuckians, especially young people. 

“I am deeply honored to be appointed and excited to contribute to the discussions shaping the future of our party and state. This opportunity allows students across the Commonwealth to have a voice in decisions affecting all Kentuckians. I look forward to collaborating with the Kentucky Democratic Party to advocate for policies that reflect our shared values and prioritize the needs of students,” said Parker Williams, Chair of the Kentucky High School Democrats. 

As an ex officio member, Parker Williams, representing the Kentucky High School Democrats, will participate in crucial decision-making processes within the party, providing insights from high school students on critical issues such as education, climate change, and social justice. This partnership signifies the value of including younger voices in the political landscape, and it reinforces the idea that young people are not just the future but active participants in the present. 

The Kentucky High School Democrats are dedicated to engaging students in political activism, promoting civic engagement, and ensuring that young voices are heard at all levels of government. With this new position, they can advocate for policies directly impacting young Kentuckians and work alongside party leaders to build a more inclusive and equitable state.

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2024-2025 KYHSD EXECUTIVE BOARD

Parker Williams, Chair; Tate Cain, Communications Director; Lailah Ashburn, Policy Director; Ivy Litton, Programs Director; Ellie Naish, Financial Director

Kentucky High School Democrats (KYHSD) is an independent youth advocacy group, affiliated with High School Democrats of America 

(HSDA), but is not affiliated with the Kentucky Democratic Party, the Kentucky Young Democrats, or the Young Democrats of America.