Youth Activity Board

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Information about the 26-27 term application will be posted in Winter 2026.

The Youth Activity Board (YAB) is a leadership group of 13 dedicated middle and high school students who plan and lead community events for Cupertino youth. Working with Recreation staff and the Teen Commission, YAB members develop new programs aimed at creating engaging activities for local youth every other month.

Current Members

Saanj Rao - President

Monta Vista High School, Junior

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1. I'm a certified cotton candy confectioner.
2. If I could, I would roller skate everywhere.
3. I've folded over 200 origami paper cranes.

 

 

Rayna Shah - Vice President

Cupertino High School, Junior

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1. My favorite movie is Tangled (it was also the first movie I ever watched in theaters!)

2. I've been playing the drums for 8 years.

3. I LOVE boba and make my own teas at home!

 

Vedant Hathalia - Secretary

Bellarmine College Preparatory, Junior

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1. Can solve a Rubik’s cube.
2. Big fan of pickleball.
3. Obsessed with watermelon Sour Patch Kids.

 

Ryan Bao - Communications Specialist

Monta Vista High School, Freshman

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1. I am double jointed in all my fingers except my pinky
2. I ate a cicada once and it tasted like fried potatoes
3. I have the same birthday as Snoop Dogg

 

Aayush Khatri

Cupertino High School, Sophomore

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1. Lead guitarist in a local band!

2. Aspiring calisthenics athlete.

3. I love trying new foods.

 

Agastya Raja

Fremont High School, Junior

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1. I love cars.

2. I want to be an architect.

3. I'm the special feature editor of my school's newspaper (The Phoenix).

 

Clarissa Tick

Monta Vista High School, Sophomore

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1. I enjoy playing volleyball.

2. I enjoy raveling the world to try new foods.

3. I enjoy listening to music.

 

Nimrit Gandhi 

Cupertino High School, Junior

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1. I play volleyball.

2. My favorite drink is boba tea.

3. I love going to the beach.

 

Tashvi Bansal

Monta Vista High school, Senior

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1. I like to play the piano.
2. My all time favorite show is ATLA (Avatar The Last Airbender).
3. My favorite food is paneer.

 

 Ved Kamath

Cupertino High School, Junior

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1. I play the cello.

2. I share a birthday with Cillian Murphy.

3. I know the capitals of all the countries in the world.

 
Application Process

The application consists of the following components:

1. Supplemental questions (300 words max each):

  • If you were selected to serve on YAB, what new event/activity would you like to see the YAB organize?
  • What program or resource do you think is missing from youth’s lives and how would you bring this resource to the community through YAB?
  • What skills, talents, or strengths would you bring to the YAB?
  • What do you like to do for fun/what are your hobbies?

 

2. One recommendation letter (non-family) on letterhead, emailed to robertk@cupertino.gov. Recommendations submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

 

3. One-minute 'About Me' video that can be anything from why you want to serve on YAB, your hobbies, aspirations, or anything you feel we should know about who YOU are. Your skills, accomplishments, and qualifications will already be captured on the application so take this opportunity to highlight more unique things about you! 21

  • All videos should be set to ‘private’ or ‘unlisted’ on YouTube. Copy and paste the share link into the submission field on the application.

     

 

 

Eligibility Requirements

The Cupertino Youth Activity Board is open to current and incoming 8th through 11th grade students. This means that students must be in the 8th or 11th grade for the upcoming school year. All eligible students may apply, however, preference is given to residents of the City of Cupertino.

Application Tips

Here are some tips when preparing your YAB application:

  • Read the instructions carefully and internalize the application deadline. There will be no exceptions made on any late materials. This is to make the application fair and equal to everyone.

  • Give your letter writer enough notice to write and submit your letter. If your letter writer is late to submit, your application will be automatically considered ineligible.

  • Draft the answers to the supplemental questions early! Make sure to slow down and give yourself enough time to write your answers.

  • Proofread, rewrite, and walk away. Writing effectively takes time and planning. Use the review feature on your word processor or utilize services such as Grammarly to check for any spelling and grammar errors.

  • Follow the same drafting processes for your video by creating a storyboard or script for your video and re-recording until you are satisfied with the final product.

  • When recording your video, make sure you have good lighting, and the audio comes out clear.

  • Do not wait until the day before!


Prior Events

 

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