A 5th grader is named young ambassador for the city of Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Yash Semlani isn't your average 10-year-old kid. He's Houston's inaugural Young Ambassador.

Mayor Sylvester Turner honored him with the title last month.

"The city of Houston commends and congratulates Yash Semlani on his dedication to serving underprivelged and underserved youth," said Mayor Turner during a city council meeting.

He also presented Semlani with a proclamation declaring the day in the 5th grader's honor.

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Semlani said he actually suggested the new program to the city and Mayor Turner.

"I sent him a letter and I told the mayor why I thought it was a good idea, why I thought kids needed to have more of a say," said Semlani.

The idea is to have young people engage with city leaders and mentor their peers.

Yash is focusing his efforts on three areas, including children's literacy.

"I am an avid reader and I think that literacy can take you anywhere and everywhere," he said.

He's also bringing attention to the food gap and working with the state legislator to try and get uneaten cafeteria food to children who'd otherwise go hungry.

"The kids on the campus, where the food is being collected, are not getting that food," explained Semlani.

Yash is a student at Barbara Bush Elementary, but he's also a lot more that -- a young man with a big future.