Still, no matter the topic, Tyler Quintana is always quick to have an intelligent idea on how Denver's youth can work to change their city, and their world, for the better. Tyler is also one of the 2009 9Kids Who Care.

Tyler sits on the Denver Mayor's Youth Commission, which teams students with adults in an effort to provide youth voice and leadership. During its bi-weekly meetings, the group discusses ideas, events and causes impacting young adults in Denver.

It's Tyler's job to represent other teenagers, listening to their concerns and then relaying them back to Mayor Hickenlooper and the City and County of Denver.

During one meeting in January, Tyler and other commissioners discussed the city's curfew policy for teenagers, debating whether the policy is working and if it's fair. They also planned an effort to sell environmentally friendly grocery bags and raise awareness about a consumer's carbon footprint when they use paper or plastic bags.

With every topic, Tyler is quick to offer a unique idea or a thought that pushes the Youth Commission in a proactive direction.

"Tyler is kind of a reserved young man who's thoughtful and deep," said Nancy Gilder of the Mayor's Office for Education and Children. "He has those connections with all those organizations that would make an impact on kids. When he speaks, it's powerful."

Many of Tyler's connections have been made at school. He's a student at the Denver Center for International Studies. During his time at the school, he's become interested in social justice efforts to benefit and rebuild schools in war torn villages in Sierra Leone and Darfur.

Tyler has assisted in organizing and supporting projects such as Adopt a Minefield, Teddies for Tots, and an annual 24-hour fast for Darfur at his school. The efforts have raised thousands of dollars for villages, which has inspired Tyler to travel the world when he graduates from high school.

"In a word, (it's) amazing," said Tyler. "It's a great feeling. Sometimes you don't know the impact you're making until you see it. But you keep working, because just improving the quality of life for people is something we have to focus on right now.

"People who get impacted by little things, or giant things, that's huge. And honestly, I hope it never wears away. I want to be volunteering for my entire life."

Please join us in congratulating Tyler Quintana, one of the 2009 9Kids Who Care.