After initiating the Ladue area recycling program at age 12, Jimmy Loomis knew that he wanted to make a difference. His success in implementing the municipal-wide program became the catalyst for his politically driven adolescence.

“My achievement inspired me to become politically active after realizing that everyone has the potential to change their community, state, country, and the world with only strong ambition and deep convictions,” said Jimmy, a 17-year-old senior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School.

Jimmy’s dedication and commitment to his political pursuits is clear to those around him.

“Jimmy is mature beyond his years and very serious about politics,” said Robert Snidman, a former teacher of Jimmy’s at Ladue high and a fellow member of the Creve Coeur Democratic Club.

Jimmy, a member of congregation Temple Israel, said that his Jewish values have played a role in shaping his path to politics.

“My Jewish upbringing has taught me that it is incumbent on each of us to be active in our community in positive ways, and to help those less fortunate,” Jimmy said. “Being involved in politics offers the opportunity to effect meaningful change.”

Jimmy’s conviction, ambition, and desire to make a difference have helped him gain coveted internships on both Senator Claire McCaskill’s campaign and Congressman Lacy Clay’s campaign. Jimmy continued to work for Congressman Clay in a semester-long congressional internship and currently serves as the Secretary of Congressman Clay’s First Congressional Youth Cabinet.

Congressman Clay’s First Congressional Youth Cabinet is “comprised of two high school students from each school in the Congressman’s district who advise the Congressman on issues involving the district’s young people,” Jimmy said.

Of all of his impressive achievements, Jimmy’s most prestigious accomplishment is becoming a Senate page. After being nominated for the position by Senator McCaskill, Jimmy spent a summer in the competitive Senate Page program, where Jimmy helped set up the Senate chamber, distributed the Congressional Record and calendar, as well as messages, vote tallies, and copies of proposed amendments, informed absent Senators when their votes were needed, and became familiar with every Senator.

“During my month as a page, I had the distinct privilege and honor of walking those Senate floors that are limited to Senators, clerks, and pages,” Jimmy said. “It is a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity for only a very few. It is a chance to work in the midst of the world’s greatest deliberative body with some of the world’s greatest political minds.”

Jimmy not only had the opportunity to meet several senators, including, Harry Reid, John Kerry, Barbara Boxer, and Rob Portman, but he also was able to watch the voting process for legislation such as the Farm Bill.

“I deepened my respect for our representative government and our governmental system,” Jimmy said.

The program’s impact on Jimmy was obvious to those around to him. It bolstered the qualities he will need as he continues to strive toward a career in politics.

“Jimmy’s love of politics and his participation as a Senate page have made him acutely aware of the challenges our leaders face and the need for compromise,” Snidman said.

Jimmy continues to be involved not only on the national political stage but also in local political groups such as Missouri Progressive Action Group and the Creve Coeur Democratic Township. Jimmy will continue to work to affect change as he ventures to Washington University in St. Louis to study Political Science and Mandarin Chinese, in which he is already fluent.  

“During my years as an undergraduate and graduate student, I will continue to be involved in the First Congressional Youth Cabinet, local political groups, the delegation of the party convention, and Washington University’s student government,” Jimmy said.

Jimmy plans to continue his studies with a law degree before running for elected office and eventually pursuing his dream of election to the presidency of the United States.

“Keep an eye out and don’t be surprised if you see Jimmy’s name as a candidate for political office in the near future,” Snidman said.