Sharpsburg teen Grace Cooper wants to make a difference in her community.

The Fox Chapel Area High School freshman has earned a unique opportunity to do just that while bolstering her knowledge of local government.

She was appointed the borough’s new junior councilperson and was sworn in by Mayor Kayla Portis on Oct. 23.

“I feel like I should step up where it’s needed,” Grace said before the unanimous vote.

Junior council members are volunteers who do not vote on issues brought before council and they cannot participate in executive sessions or closed-door discussions. High school students are appointed to one-year terms and can reapply each year.

She told council she was inspired to take part in the junior council program by its previous member, Fox Chapel Area High School graduate Roman Mason.

Mason was appointed to junior council in his senior year in June 2022. He was president of the high school student council at the time.

His major project was a proposed skate park on PennDOT-owned land under the 62nd Street Bridge, but state officials ruled that location unsafe and the project fizzled.

Grace said she would like to resurrect the skate park idea.

Before her appointment, council members asked Grace about her interests and future plans.

Grace is part of the school’s Bible club, plays the cello in the orchestra and is interested in the speech and debate club as well as the Future Business Leaders of America. Her plans include going to A.W. Beattie Career Center and becoming an electrician.

Surprise inspiration

Mason, who was appointed to council as a full, adult member on Oct. 24, 2024, was touched by Grace’s comments.

“It made me know in my heart that I’m doing the right thing and hopefully future generations trend in the right direction,” Mason said after the council meeting. “When I first got into politics and as a junior councilperson, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew there were some things that could be done. It was just about learning.

“From the time that I spent as a junior councilman to now, being one year on council, I’ve learned a lot and grown a lot. I’m very excited we have another junior council person now.”

Mason said he looks forward to helping Grace with her junior council journey.

“I’m going to be able to share some insight with her on things and allow her to have a better grasp of what’s really going on with our council and what to expect,” he said. “I want her to work with me on a couple of projects and work with Parks and Rec.”

Grace’s mother, Amy Cooper, is a Fox Chapel Area School Board member.

Seeing her daughter become a junior council person is the latest on a long list of proud family moments.

“I think it’s an important lesson to teach kids to serve their community,” Cooper said. “I’m always proud of her for everything. Wanting to find ways to serve and get more involved certainly makes me proud of her.”

Cooper said Grace has been a part of many Sharpsburg functions, including clean-up days and volunteering at the community garden. Grace took the initiative in contacting the borough office in the spring, inquiring about the junior council program.

“I think it’s a value that we have as a family,” Amy Cooper said about public service. “She’s been to various meetings and things with me. I can appreciate that hopefully she sees this as part of her own journey, too.”

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