A Brooklyn Park student will serve as Third District delegate to the Republican Party's State Convention next month.

Kyra Underbakke, 18, a senior at Maranatha Christian Academy and a Plymouth resident, was elected to the role March 1. The convention runs from May 29 to 31 at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.

"I have always been interested in politics and believe my generation needs to step up and make a difference in the political process," Kyra said. "Our generation will impact our future, and we need experience in the political system."

She said she went to her local caucus just to vote, but ended up being elected a party delegate.

"I found out because I'm young and have a different perspective, people listen to me," Kyra said.

She said her teacher Chris Hyde encourages students to be aware of the world they are about to enter as they leave high school.

Hyde said Kyra is very self motivated. She was interested in the political process, and then took action not only to learn about it, but also become a part of it, he said.

"I always tell them to take initiative and people will respond," Hyde said.

Brian Sullivan, chief administrator at Maranatha, said Kyra's involvement is also a product of the schools' service learning component.

"Her involvement is not altogether surprising," he said. "As a faith-based Christian school, Maranatha endeavors to provide a balanced, liberal Christian arts education."

Middle school students are required to serve 20 hours of community service each year, and high school students must serve 35 hours.

Last year, the average Maranatha student served 75 hours in their community. Volunteer opportunities include mission trips and helping organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Samaritan's Purse and Feed My Starving Children, Sullivan said.

"We're trying to get students to realize they're not just part of a school, they're part of a larger community," Hyde said.

Kyra has been accepted to Northwestern College in Roseville, where she plans to major in English.

"She's an amazing young lady who has quite a portfolio," Sullivan said.

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"We're trying to get students to realize they're not just part of a school, they're part of a larger community," Hyde said.

Kyra has been accepted to Northwestern College in Roseville, where she plans to major in English.

"She's an amazing young lady who has quite a portfolio," Sullivan said.

Comment on this story at our website, www.mnsun.com.