RHS student will be honored at assembly

A Royal High School student is being recognized today, Friday, March 7, at a school assembly for winning the "Write a Bill Challenge" sponsored by 38th District Assemblymember Cameron Smyth (R-Santa Clarita).

Shawn Sage, 17, authored a piece of legislation that would change the state law to allow 17yearold foster students the legal right to join the military with the consent of a social worker or foster parent.

Shawn took his idea for the contest from his own life experience.

A foster child himself, Shawn wanted to join the military in the delayed enlistment program but could not do so because, under California law, he needed the permission of a judge from the children's court to do so. A judge in Ventura County rejected his request.

For winning the contest out of hundreds of entries, Shawn will be invited to Sacramento to testify on behalf of his own bill when it is heard in committee.

"Shawn is a great representative of the 38th District, and I am proud to help him as he tries to make a difference through our legislative process," Smyth said.