In June, Sarai Gaines joined an exclusive membership of 31 outstanding students picked from across the state to become members of the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council.

The 10th grader at East St. John High School is expected to work with her peers to influence legislative decisions capable of shaping the future of young people in Louisiana.

Gaines is a high achiever, who also has an impressive repertoire of accomplishments, and hopes to use the opportunity from the experience to better herself and her community.

“The selection process was not just intense, but also highly competitive, and I am deeply honored to have emerged as a chosen candidate,” Gaines said. “In this incredible journey, my goal is to absorb as much knowledge as possible, and to represent my family, school, and community with excellence.”

While Gaines is proud to represent St John the Baptist Parish, she hopes the position offers her first-hand experience into the inner-workings of the government at the State Capitol. It gives her the chance to lend her voice to critical policies made by the government that affect young people.

She has demonstrated her leadership capacity where she holds leadership roles in several organizations, including the prestigious position of St. John 4-H Junior Leadership Council where she serves as Vice-President and captain’s the Junior Varsity Cheer at her school. 

Her commitment is further displayed by her active membership in the school’s Interact club, a platform for giving back through service to the school and community. She has also served as a delegate for the Louisiana 4-H Citizenship Focus in Washington, DC,where she spent time cultivating profound civic engagement and leadership skills. 

Gaines has been recognized for her academic achievement as an excellent scholar with a 4.25 GPA. She is a gifted talented theatre student, athlete and a member of East St. John High track and field team and the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council for St. John Parish Public Schools. 

With a 4.25 GPA, she believes in taking advantage of opportunities to work alongside her peers so that they can make their voices heard and continue to make a difference.

“I aspire to inspire other teenagers to recognize the power of their voices. I am convinced that our actions and representations today will be the catalyst for the change we need tomorrow”, she said.

Sarai Gaines is the daughter of Denyan Gaines and Johnika Gayden-Gaines.