Don’t tell St. Francis High School senior David Murdter that young people aren’t interested in politics and involved in their communities. As California youth governor this year, he has addressed 2,300 teens assembled for mock government sessions and listened to them debate the merits of cigarette taxes, alternative fuel and other policies.

Murdter recently wrapped up his year as youth governor with the California Youth and Government Model Legislation and Court. The educational program exposes young people to hands-on policy and government work. The program recruits teens from around the state, who choose the government positions they want to role-play for the year. The teens run for elected office, hold mock assembly sessions, write bills and lobby for or against them.

The program has occupied an integral part of Murdter’s life, and he is willing to be an ambassador for it.

“This experience with Youth in Government has changed who I am,” he said. “I’m a much different person now than I would have been otherwise.”

The apex of the experience is the annual conference in Sacramento, when youth delegates take over the Capitol building, the state Supreme Court and the assembly chambers.

Through the Youth in Government experience, Murdter said he has learned to be a better public speaker and what it means to be a leader. He’s motivated groups from 20 people to several thousands, managed press conferences to discuss his position on issues and met with Sacramento elected officials, including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“Youth governors bring their own stamp to the program,” said Rolf Davidson, associate executive director for California YMCA Youth and Government. “David stands out as a talented youth and passionate leader. He has an innate ability to inspire others. He has a quiet enthusiasm, and people want to be around him and follow his lead.”

Murdter has brought that same brand of enthusiasm to St. Francis. He is on the school’s speech and debate team and has advanced to the state speech tournament, where he will debate the pros and cons of public health assistance to sub-Saharan Africa.

Murdter’s thirst for learning pushes him to participate wholeheartedly in discussions and class activities, said history teacher Lesley Muller.

Matt Scharrenberg, another history teacher, said that Murdter’s intellectual curiosity and maturity make him well-versed in current events and social issues.

“David is a natural leader and a role model who embodies what we hope every St. Francis graduate will become,” said his guidance counselor Annette Nassir. “As a true Holy Cross Man, he is a person of integrity with strong civic awareness who is compassionate to the needs of others, demonstrates an unwavering love of learning and inspires others to know they can make a difference.”

Murdter said he is considering a career in politics and hopes to delve into alternative energy sources. To accomplish this, he plans to arrange a college major that combines environmental studies, chemistry, physics and political science.