Kofa High School student Aiyana Polk has been selected as a member of the 2022-23 Youth Arts Council on behalf of the Arizona Commission of the Arts.

“My favorite thing to do is Art. It helps with my anxiety and helps to clear my mind,” Polk said. “I have been doing art since I was very young. It has always been my passion.”

Polk, a sophomore, has been part of Kofa’s art club since her freshman year. This year she is the Vice President of the club and recently won second place in the Veteran of Foreign Wars’ local Patriotic Art Contest. She hopes to be able to inspire more students to participate in art contests and get them out of their comfort zones. 

“I am happy Aiyana was selected as I know she will benefit from this learning experience in this long-term life experience!” KHS art teacher Amy Seeley said. “I know she will represent us well.”

The Arizona Youth Arts Council is made up of 15 students from across the state. Members of the council learn about policy to advocate for equal access to the arts for all young people in Arizona, advise the Arts Commission on grant programs and initiatives, and create arts and media projects highlighting the arts in their communities.

Polk is the second Kofa student since 2020 to be selected for the role. Marilyn Garcia Chavez (Class of 2021) was a member of the council during the 2020-21 school year.