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AJ Hammerstein, pictured front row, center, with the 2018-19 Youth Advisory Board.
A new school year means a new Youth Advisory Board at Young Americans! This month, we are thrilled to introduce you to one of the Youth Board Co-Chairs, AJ Hammerstein, who is a Senior at East High School.
AJ’s first encounter with Young Americans Center for Financial Education was his 5thgrade field trip to Young AmeriTowne. AJ wanted to be the Towne Judge, so he ran and won an election campaign at school. At Young AmeriTowne, AJ issued fines when citizens broke the law. The best part, according to AJ was, “Getting to be an adult for a day—I had so much responsibility and felt really grown up!”
This is AJ’s second term on the Youth Advisory Board, as he previously served two years ago. Inspired by the experience he had that year, AJ is looking forward to making this year’s board just as impactful. “When I was on the Board, [the Co-Chairs] made everyone feel comfortable and set great examples for the group. I feel like I could bring those same leadership qualities.”
For AJ, the best part of being Co-Chair this year has been creating new sense of community. “After only two months, I have become very comfortable with the new board and feel like we make a very cohesive group,” says AJ. “This in itself has made every event and board meeting more lively, exciting, and engaging.”
In addition to serving as Youth Board Co-Chair, AJ is also a busy high school student. He plays on the golf team, is Vice President of the East National Honors Society, and is a member of the nationally-ranked Constitutional Law team at East. Outside of school, AJ mows lawns in his neighborhood and serves as a Junior Coach for First Tee of Denver.
