Pocket Life
By Corky Mau
Photography by Aniko Kiezel
May 2025
Civic Pride
Young activist specializes in community service
With senior prom over and graduation near, Bryce Merrill knows his high school days are ending. He’ll miss West Campus High School but looks forward to the future.
Merrill is ready to take what life throws his way. He’s savvy about local government thanks to the city’s Youth Commission. Appointed in 2023 by City Council member Rick Jennings, Merrill is a spokesperson for teens in Pocket, Greenhaven and Land Park.
Established in 1993, the Youth Commission advises City Council members on policies, programs and ordinances related to young people.
Merrill and colleagues hold listening sessions with teens. They sought ideas about education programs for Aggie Square, the new UC Davis center on Stockton Boulevard. The commission helps organize Earth Day park clean-ups and free monthly RT transportation for students.
Merrill is passionate about community service. He’s community outreach leader at West Campus, organizing activities for nearby neighborhoods. This year, students collected more than 8,000 food cans for residents.
He’s president of the school’s MESA Club, which brings science, tech, engineering and math enrichment to elementary schools. As president of West’s Green Team, he helped students conduct clothing swaps, blood drives and e-waste collections.
“I appreciate what’s been given to me, and giving back to my community is easy,” he says. “It’s gratifying to see how our collective student efforts have also increased school pride.”
Merrill loves competitive rock climbing at Sacramento Pipeworks. “It’s like problem-solving with your body,” he says.
Three years ago, he studied abroad in Spain. The experience sparked his interest in travel and different cultures. “Last summer, we took our first family trip to Spain,” he says. “I introduced them to my host family in Sevilla. I had fun playing tour guide for everyone.”
After graduation, Merrill hopes for a research internship at UC Davis and more community volunteer work. From there, he plans to study sustainable architecture at UC Berkeley.
Merrill encourages teens to join programs such as the Youth Commission and Summer at City Hall. “Anyone is welcome to our commission meetings on the first Monday at City Hall,” he says. “It’s a great opportunity to learn about local government.”
AUTHOR TALK
Last month, Pocket Life readers learned about local mystery author Jennifer Morita. Her debut book, “Ghosts of Waikiki,” weaves family, food and culture into a story about the mysterious death of a land developer in Hawaii.
Readers can meet Morita at Robbie Waters Library on Saturday, May 10, at 3 p.m. The “Author Talk” is hosted by Pocket-Greenhaven Friends of the Library. Books are available for signing. Admission is free.
A former newspaper reporter, Morita works in communications at Sacramento State University. For information, visit jenniferkmorita.com.
ELKS LODGE FUN
Elks Lodge No. 6 celebrates Cinco de Mayo on Saturday, May 3, with a dinner dance 5–11 p.m. Entertainment includes mariachi and dance music by Los Elegantes. Tickets are $40 per person. Call (916) 422-6666 for information.
On Saturday, May 17, enjoy “Music on the Lawn” from 5–9 p.m. Garratt Wilkin of the Parrotheads, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, is scheduled. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Presale tickets are $20 or $25 at the door.
TRUCKS ’N SUCH
Enjoy fresh, tasty eats from SactoMoFo truck partners Friday, May 16, from 5–8 p.m. The monthly food truck event happens at Garcia Bend Park.
Corky Mau can be reached at corky.sue50@gmail.com. Submissions are due six weeks prior to the publication month. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
