It’s easy, it seems, for adults — especially those of a progressive stripe who are in despair about the state of the world — to rob youth of what they need most: A sense of hope and optimism about what lies ahead. It’s refreshing to see we haven’t completely succeeded.

Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy has been repeatedly hailed for the infusion of energy and hope it’s injected into the country’s political scene. At the precinct caucuses on Vashon in February, countless people were bowled over by it — a palpalable sense that something meaningful was afoot.

That story continues to play out on Vashon, where Nick Bordner, a 17-year-old who’s yet to vote in a county, state or federal election, became one of a handful from the 7th Congressional District to get elected as a state delegate. He’s on his way to Denver.

We only wish his co-conspirator, 18-year-old Laura Hicks, were on her way with him.

Both Island teens, as well as their many supporters and friends, see a world full of promise. Sure, they undoubtedly know the polar ice caps are melting, the war in Iraq seems intractable and that food crises are leaving a growing number of people hungry. They also speak comfortably and forthrightly about their desire to make a difference, be involved and work for change. Indeed, they seem to see their generation as the one that just might turn things around. They seem to embody hope.

Emily Dickinson’s beautiful line of poetry comes to mind: “Hope is the thing with feathers/ That perches in the soul.” Like Dickinson’s bird, these two teens — vibrant, articulate and carrying the confidence of youth like a badge of honor — are ready to take flight into a world full of contradictions. A strong wind may blow them off course from time to time. But they have a strength that many of us adults lack anymore — one that comes from their lightness of spirit, from not being weary with the problems of the world.

Here’s wishing Nick Bordner an experience in Denver that will help him continue to find his course through these turbulent times. And here’s wishing Laura Hicks and the many other politically engaged Vashon students an election year that will strengthen their convictions that they’re helping to steer the country in a new direction.

This is one year where we truly hope the youth will lead the way.