**Isaac Donado graduated from St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy last week. He has political aspirations. (Photo by Alex Dominguez)**

DOWNEY - It’s likely that sometime in the future, Isaac Donado will be asking for your vote; whether it be for Downey’s city council or president of the United States remains to be seen.

On the outside, the 17-year-old St. Pius X - St. Matthias graduate seems like a typical, highly-motivated student.

He is a Christian Service Award recipient, having logged the most service hours (over 500) amongst his peers. He interns at JWCH Wesley Health Center. He boxes in his free time. He is a former class president. With graduation now complete, he plans to study political science and law at Layola Marymount University, with aspirations on becoming a family or immigration lawyer.

But beneath all the achievement lies possibly an even greater passion: a desire for public service.

“I’ve had that passion since a really young age,” said Donado. “My aunt [Daniela Rodriguez] really helped me with that; she would take me to city council meetings, I know she was part of the Rotary Club. So I would go to city events and I kind of got the feel. Starting fourth grade, I got into student government, getting that feel of what government is like.”

Donado serves on the city of Downey’s Youth Commission. Though his initial application was not selected his sophomore year, he would come onboard later when an opening became available.

“I got involved; I volunteered for every event that I could,” said Donado. “Starting my senior year, I ran for head chair, and I won.”

His city involvement undoubtedly won’t stop there, as he already has desires for planning commission and beyond.

“I hope to one day run for city council,” said Donado.

“I see myself within local government, me giving back. I plan to build myself up within the city, and within the state. I have a crazy dream, one day I want to become the president.”

With such ambitious goals, Donado says he has had a ton of support from his parents.

“I have my mom and my dad; they’re such great supporters,” said Donado. “I feel like sometimes I have these wild dreams, and they’re always like, ‘Okay, we’ll help you.’”

He says his mom is his biggest inspiration.

“Both my parents are hard-working, but my mom, in high school, her parents were both immigrants so she kind of had to figure it out on her own,” said Donado. “I see my mom and she’s stubborn but in a good way. Whatever she sets her mind to, she perseveres. Through anything, any challenge or obstacle, she goes over them and finds a way.”

When his swearing-in day finally does come, Donado plans to improve upon the strengths he feels Downey already has.

“Volunteering with the events, I did notice that Downey has a very strong community,” said Donado. “I think that is great, communities that are together are very strong.”

“I feel Downey is pretty safe and clean. Keeping it that way, keeping it a city that’s strong.”

Isaac Donado wants your vote... in a few years