Teen Commission

2023-2024 Cupertino Teen Commissioners

Rory Hu
Term Ending: 8/31/25

1. I am a kid reporter for Nickelodeon's Nick News.
2. I enjoy collecting rocks and shells on hikes and trips.
3. I am a young scientist with a passion for environmental conservation.

Peter Chen
Term Ending: 8/31/25

1. I love meeting new people and I hope that you’ll feel free to contact me about anything that’s on your mind!
2. In my free time, I like swimming, playing superhero (aka being a lifeguard).
3. I love eating and trying out new foods!"

Shivika Biswari
Term Ending: 8/31/25

1. I like to play golf in my spare time. Golf is a sport which allows me to challenge myself, and spend time in nature!
2. I enjoy listening and learning Indian Classical music.
3. I am honored to serve as a Cupertino Teen commissioner, and being a voice for teens in our city!

Rayna Shah - Chair
Term Ending: 8/31/24

1. I love dogs, and have a young Yorkie mix.
2. I was elected president of my elementary school.
3. For the past six years, I have been playing the drums.

Anika Mukherjee
Term Ending: 8/31/25

1. I love playing volleyball!
2. I love reading and my favorite genre is historical fiction.
3. I speak 3 languages (English, Bengali, and Hindi) and am learning 2 (Spanish and Japanese) currently.

Rohin Garg
Term Ending: 8/31/25

1. I love traveling and have visited over 20 countries.
2. Phineas and Ferb has been my favorite show for over 10 years.
3. I can eat pizza every day without ever getting bored of it.

Joyce Cheung, Vice-Chair
Term Ending: 8/31/24

1. I am a pianist, a digital artist, and a taekwondoin.
2. I am a good listener with a generosity of spirit and a sense of empathy.
3. I am a believer that giving back is a great way to know the community.

Pranav Gupta
Term Ending: 8/31/24

1. I like playing soccer and bouldering with friends.
2. I am an efficient learner.
3. I enjoy meeting new people.

Sudisha Kumar
Term Ending: 8/31/24

1. I love futuristic/sci-fi novels and often use them as inspiration for architecture sketches.
2. Coffee is my best friend.
3. I'm looking forward to serving as a Teen Commissioner and encouraging our teens to explore and discover opportunities in a safe and welcoming environment.

• Are required to be residents of Cupertino throughout their term.
• Are required to be incoming 8th - 11th graders. Members may be in 12th grade during their term, but seniors are not eligible to apply.
• Must be informed of City-wide issues, problems, and resources.
• Should have a thorough knowledge of their school's resources and contacts. Being on ASB or student council is beneficial, but not a requirement.
• Must have a genuine passion for serving as a representative of the Cupertino community.
• Must promote Teen Commission and relevant City initiatives to their school population.
• Have a desire to make lasting change for the City of Cupertino.
• Must have the bandwidth to dedicate significant time to Teen Commission projects.
• Attend various, assigned City Council and other City Commission meetings.
• Attend all Teen Commission meetings, events, and other assigned meetings.
• Second Wednesday of each month unless canceled or a special meeting is called.
• Be able to professionally defend your stance and collaboratively work with fellow commissioners.
• Be easily accessible to respond to staff, constituents, and community.

Teen Commission Recruitment is currently closed.

Questions regarding the Teen Commission Application can be directed to cityclerk@cupertino.gov.

Information on Teen Commission Recruitment can be found on the Commissions page.

Teen Commission Application Requirements:

• Are required to be a Cupertino resident.
• Are required to be incoming 8th-11th graders. Members may be in the 12th grade during their term, but seniors are not eligible to apply.
• None of the Teen Commissioners shall be otherwise officials or employees of the City of Cupertino nor be related by blood or marriage to any official or employee of the City.

We encourage all members of the public to engage with the Teen Commission by attending regular meetings and providing input during Oral Communications or during the public comment period of our agenda item discussions.

We invite you to present your idea, comment, or other items during the Oral Communications portion typically held at the beginning of our meetings. During Oral Communications, members of the public have three-minutes to address the Commission on any matter not on the meeting agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Teen Commission. We also accept Written Communications which you may submit by emailing us at teencommission@cupertino.gov up to one hour before the scheduled meeting and the Staff Liaison will read all written comments out loud during the meeting. Please note that all Oral and Written Communications will be part of the public record.

Throughout the years the Teen Commission has advised and given feedback to City staff on:

• Programs that address teen stress and improving mental health
• Intergenerational Programs
• Programs that provide volunteer and job opportunities

Commissioners have represented the Teen Commission as moderators and judges at programs such as:

• Pizza and Politics
• HACK
• Spelling Bee
• Senior Center Intergenerational Event

What is it?

The Cupertino Teen Commission would like to recognize local youth-led organizations making positive impacts in their community.

What is defined as a Youth-Led Organization (YLO)?

A Youth-Led Organization (YLO) is any organization which has been created by a Cupertino resident under the age of 18 that positively improves and supports residents of the Cupertino community. This may include student-run non-profit organization, school clubs, school organizations, or any group of students making positive impacts for the Cupertino community.

Eligibility Requirements

• Organization must be organized and led by students currently enrolled in middle or high school
• Organization must serve primarily Cupertino residents and community
• Organization must have been active for at least six months
• Organization must present to Teen Commission to be considered

Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated by the Teen Commission based on a set of criteria that will include but is not limited to:

• Community Impact
• Presence and Engagement
• Establishment and Longevity
• Originality

Apply

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department will work with chosen YLOs to prepare an organization highlight on the City’s social media channels. Highlights on social media will be periodic. This application process does not guarantee that a YLO will be chosen to be highlighted. Teen Commission is not required to highlight a minimum number of YLOs.

Contact Sonya Lee at sonyal@cupertino.gov if your YLO would like to present at a Teen Commission meeting.