The Leader-Herald/Bill Trojan
From left, Zac Ward, Joshua Schermerhorn, Carisa Miller, Melanie Stella, Kevin Hill and Lindsay Lizio participate in a meeting of the Young Democratic Association at Frankie O’s in Johnstown June 7.

A group of students from Johnstown have come together to form the Young Democratic Association in order to spread political awareness throughout the youth in Fulton County. The group, ranging in ages from 13 to 18, is led by Johnstown High School junior Joshua Schermerhorn, 16. His father, John Schermerhorn, serves as an adviser to the group. Joshua Schermerhorn said he started the group because he wanted teens in his age group to have a place to discuss political issues and to learn what it is like to be involved in politics. “I want people my age to be aware of the Democratic Party and everything they stand for,” Schermerhorn said. “And I want to bring awareness of the party to the public through teens.” The group has given the opportunity for some other teens in the area to become more aware of politics. “I like discussing politics, and that isn’t something that happens a lot within the youth around here,” said Kevin Hill, a member of the group.