1. I learned about the Bakersfield Youth Commission while searching for leadership and community involvement opportunities in my area where I could make a meaningful impact.
2. I would like to become a Youth Commissioner because I am passionate about serving my community and supporting youth voices. I want to take an active role in creating positive change in Bakersfield and help address issues that affect students and young people. This opportunity would allow me to develop as a leader while contributing to meaningful community improvement
3. I would like to become a Youth Commissioner because I am passionate about serving my community and supporting youth voices. I want to take an active role in creating positive change in Bakersfield and help address issues that affect students and young people. This opportunity would allow me to develop as a leader while contributing to meaningful community improvement. I would like to see the Youth Commission focus on improving youth mental health and well-being, increasing opportunities for youth voice in community decisions, and addressing challenges faced by vulnerable populations such as individuals experiencing homelessness and youth in foster care. Mental health is a major issue among students, especially with academic pressure, personal stress, and limited access to support. I think the community could help by increasing mental health awareness in schools, reducing stigma around seeking help, and expanding access to counseling services and peer support programs where students can talk openly in a safe environment. I also believe it is important for youth to have a stronger voice in the decisions that affect them. Creating more opportunities for student input through youth forums, advisory groups, or listening sessions would help ensure that young people feel heard and represented.In addition, I would like to see more awareness and youth involvement in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and youth in foster care. This could include student-led donation drives, volunteer opportunities with local shelters, and outreach programs that help raise awareness and connect students to ways they can contribute positively.
4. Throughout the school year, I participate in track practice as one of my main commitments. I am prepared to manage my time effectively so I can fully participate in the Youth Commission. I am able to attend practices while balancing commission responsibilities, and if necessary, I can adjust my schedule, complete workouts earlier, or make up training when needed to ensure I meet all expectations. I am also involved in a few school clubs; however, they do not require a significant time commitment and do not interfere with my ability to fully participate in the Youth Commission.
5. Spencer Lewis, School Counselor at Frontier High School, will serve as my mentor for the Youth Commission.
Phone: (661) 829-1107
Email: [email protected]
FRONTIER HIGH SCHOOL
6401 ALLEN ROAD
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA
93314-9250
(661) 829-1107
FAX (661) 829-1185
http://frontier.kernhigh.org
VICKY THOMPSON, PRINCIPAL
KERN HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
J. Bryan Batey
David Manriquez
Kathy Scrivner
Derek Tisinger
Steven Rodrigue
SUPERINTENDENT
Michael Zulfa, Ed.D.
The Kern High School District (KHSD) is committed to ensuring equal, fair, and meaningful access to employment and education services. KHSD prohibits discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, or bullying in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis and/or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics of age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical infor mation, national origin, physical or mental disability, parental status, political affiliation, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, retaliation, sex, sexual orientation, military or veterans status, homelessness, foster status, a ffiliation with the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups, or any other basis prohibited by California state and federal nondiscrimination laws consistent with Education Code 200 and 220, Government Code 11135, and Ti tle IX. If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, or bullying you should contact your school site principal and/or the District's Equity Compliance/ Title IX Officer, Melissa Jimenez, 5801 Sundale Avenue, (661) 827 -3173, [email protected], Title II/ADA Officer, SELPA Director Special Education, Greg Hicks, 5801 Sundale Avenue, (661) 827 -3105, [email protected], and Section 504 Coordinator, Elaine Gregory, 5801 Sundale Avenue, (661) 827 -4529, [email protected]. A copy of KHSD's Uniform Complaint policy and Nondiscrimination policy are available at www.kernhigh.org and upon request.
May 20, 2026
To Whom It May Concern:
I hope that this letter finds you well. My name is Spencer Lewis, a counselor at Frontier High School. I am writing on behalf of December Stoelting, a junior at Frontier, who is applying for the Bakersfield Youth Commission.
I have had the pleasure of knowing December since she enrolled at Frontier in the fall of 2023.
From the first time she came into my office, I knew that December was a thoughtful, driven young person with a desire to help her community and a genuine desire to lift others up. I could list off many examples of this – as a member of multiple teams on campus, as a participant in Interact Club and the secretary of our Honor Flight club, and as a volunteer at multiple community activities, she has found ways to serve and to leave an impact. The biggest example, though, is a passion project that December started earlier this year. December saw a need with children who live with chronic illnesses that require extended hospital stays, and wanted to find a way to encourage them. She reached out to local and regional hospitals, creating a program where she (and others who have joined her) write letters and notes to children to make them smile and to remind them that they have people who care about them. Her goals to spread positivity and hope are just examples of how she lives her daily life, aimed at helping others and making sure that people are seen and cared for.
When you speak with December, you are talking with an actively engaged listener who is thoughtful in her responses. She is articulate, teachable, and knows that there is power in community.
Looking at her future, she sees many possible paths forward: school counselor, doctor, lawyer, or something else, she knows that she will enter a helping profession or to use her skills to make a difference. As a member of the Bakersfield Youth Commission, she will be an excellent advocate for her Ward and a ‘doer’ in the best possible sense. She will be an asset to your team, and I’m proud to recommend her.
Thank you,
Spencer Lewis
Spencer Lewis
School Counselor, Frontier High School
661-829-1107
spencer [email protected]
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Youth Commission Application for Appointment
Student Name
First
Catelynn
Middle
Last
Hentges
Gender (Male/Female)
Female
Parent/Guardian Name
First
Lisa
Middle
Last
Hentges
High School Information
High School
Stockdale High School
Grade Level
10 GPA
4.25 School Address
2800 Buena
Vista Road
City
Bakersfield
County
Kern
State
CA
Zip
93311
Employment
Occupation (if applicable) Company Hours per Week
Address Address Line 2 City County State Zip
E-Filed
05/29/2026
16:40:30
Filing ID:
13175
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Supplemental Questions
How did you hear about the Youth Commission?
I originally heard about the Bakersfield Youth Commission from my school counselor but this year I’ve had the privilege to serve on it!
Why would you like to become a Youth Commissioner
I would like to continue serving as a Youth Commissioner because my first year showed me how much of a difference young people can make when they are given a voice in their community. Being involved allowed me to better understand the needs of students in Bakersfield and strengthened my passion for service and advocacy. One issue that is especially important to me is literacy and educational opportunity in schools with lower reading rates. Reading was a vital part of my childhood and played a huge role in shaping who I am today. Through books and education, I developed confidence, curiosity, and a stronger understanding of the world around me. I want every child to have the same opportunities to grow and succeed through literacy. By serving another year, I hope to continue representing youth perspectives while working on meaningful projects that support students and families in our community.
What specific youth or community issues would you like to see addressed by the Youth Commission? Do you have any ideas on how the community should address those issues? One issue I would like to see addressed is the literacy gap in schools and communities with fewer educational resources. Many students do not have access to books, tutoring, or reading programs outside of school, which can make it harder for them to succeed academically and build confidence. I believe literacy is one of the most important foundations for future success because it impacts education, communication, and opportunities later in life. I think the community could help address this issue by creating more partnerships between schools, libraries, and youth organizations to provide tutoring, book drives, reading mentorship programs, and after-school literacy activities. I would also like to encourage more volunteer opportunities for high school students to work with younger children as reading mentors. Creating welcoming spaces where children feel supported and encouraged to read could have a long-lasting positive impact on both students and the community as a whole.
3/4
The Youth Commission requires a time commitment from each student. Please list all other commitments you have during the school year (e.g., job, clubs, and sports) and in what ways are you prepared to dedicate time to meet the Commission’s goals? Your extracurricular activities will not disqualify your application.
During the school year, I balance academics along with volleyball, National Honor Society volunteer commitments, and various school clubs and organizations. Through these experiences, I have learned strong time management, communication, and organizational skills. I understand the importance of being dependable and following through on responsibilities, especially when working as part of a team. I am fully prepared to dedicate the time necessary to meet the Youth Commission’s goals by planning ahead, staying organized, and prioritizing my commitments. During my previous year serving on the Commission, I gained experience managing meetings, projects, and responsibilities while balancing school and other activities. Because of this experience, I feel confident in my ability to continue contributing consistently and effectively.
In order to have a valuable experience on the Youth Commission, it is important to have the support from a teacher or school administrator from your current high school. This person shall serve in a mentorship role throughout your term on the Youth Commission. Please identify who will serve as your mentor (i.e., name and job title) and provide their contact information (i.e., phone number and email address). Also, please be advised that your mentor must sign the application and submit a letter of recommendation.
I believe my previous experience as a Youth Commissioner has prepared me to continue serving effectively in this role. Over the past year, I have gained valuable experience collaborating with others, representing youth perspectives, and participating in community-focused discussions and projects. I am passionate about making a positive impact in Bakersfield and helping create opportunities for younger students, especially in areas related to literacy and education. In addition, my long-term goal of pursuing a career focused on helping others has strengthened my commitment to community service and leadership. I am motivated, dependable, and eager to continue learning while contributing meaningful ideas and effort to the Youth Commission.
Is there any additional information that you feel would be helpful in reviewing your qualifications? I believe my previous experience as a Youth Commissioner has prepared me to continue serving effectively in this role. Over the past year, I have gained valuable experience collaborating with others, representing youth perspectives, and participating in community-focused discussions and projects. I am passionate about making a positive impact in Bakersfield and helping create opportunities for younger students, especially in areas related to literacy and education. In addition, my long-term goal of pursuing a career focused on helping others has strengthened my commitment to community service and leadership. I am motivated, dependable, and eager to continue learning while contributing meaningful ideas and effort to the Youth Commission. 4/4
Authorization and Release
Signature of School Representative
Stacy Baehr
School Representative Signature Date
05/29/2026
Signature of Applicant’s Parent/Guardian
Lisa Hirt
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
05/29/2026
Signature of Applicant
Catelynn Hentges
Applicant Signature Date
05/29/2026
Applicant & Recommender Contact Information
Applicant Contact Information
Applicant Information
Date of Birth Email Address
Home Phone Cell Phone
Address
Home Address Address Line 2
City
Bakersfield
County
Kern
State
CA
Zip
93311
Recommender Contact Information
First Name
Stacy
Middle Name Last Name
Baehr
Title
Chemistry & AP
Environmental
Science Teacher
Organization
Stockdale High School
Relationship to student
Teacher
E-mail
[email protected]
Day Phone
(661) 655-2800
1/3
Youth Commission Application for Appointment
Student Name
First
Sravya
Middle
Anvitha
Last
Pudipeddi
Gender (Male/Female)
Female
Parent/Guardian Name
First
Ravi
Middle
Last
Pudipeddi
High School Information
High School
Garces Memorial High
School
Grade Level
10 GPA
4.6 School Address
2800 Loma
Linda Dr,
Bakersfield
City
Bakersfield
County
Kern
State
CA
Zip
93305
Employment
Occupation (if applicable)
NA
Company Hours per Week
2/3
Address Address Line 2 City County State Zip
Supplemental Questions
How did you hear about the Youth Commission?
From my former teacher and I was in it for a few months this year.
Why would you like to become a Youth Commissioner
I did it for a few months this year and I want to continue.
What specific youth or community issues would you like to see addressed by the Youth Commission? Do you have any ideas on how the community should address those issues? Underprivileged children don't have access to healthy food, so we should do something where we can raise enough awareness and donate food to these children. We could team up with local grocery stores to donate food.
The Youth Commission requires a time commitment from each student. Please list all other commitments you have during the school year (e.g., job, clubs, and sports) and in what ways are you prepared to dedicate time to meet the Commission’s goals? Your extracurricular activities will not disqualify your application.
Mock trial, history day, business class/club, medical professionals club. I have committed time towards the youth commission this year and will continue to do the same.
In order to have a valuable experience on the Youth Commission, it is important to have the support from a teacher or school administrator from your current high school. This person shall serve in a mentorship role throughout your term on the Youth Commission. Please identify who will serve as your mentor (i.e., name and job title) and provide their contact information (i.e., phone number and email address). Also, please be advised that your mentor must sign the application and submit a letter of recommendation.
Tonya Abbott.
Is there any additional information that you feel would be helpful in reviewing your qualifications? I am able to balance school and my extra curriculars, so I can put enough time and commitment into youth commissions.
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Authorization and Release
Signature of School Representative
Tonya Abbott
School Representative Signature Date
05/21/2026
Signature of Applicant’s Parent/Guardian
Ravi Pudipeddi
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
05/21/2026
Signature of Applicant
Sravya Pudipeddi
Applicant Signature Date
05/21/2026
Applicant & Recommender Contact Information
Applicant Contact Information
Applicant Information
Date of Birth Email Address
Home Phone Cell Phone
Address
Home Address Address Line 2
City
Bakersfield
County
Kern
State
CA
Zip
93312
Recommender Contact Information
First Name
Tonya
Middle Name Last Name
Abbott
Title
Dir of Campus
Ministry
Organization
Garces Memorial High School
Relationship to student
Campus Minister
E-mail
[email protected]
Day Phone
(661) 327-5427