Youth in Government 2016
This year James Monroe High School attended the 2016 Youth in Government conference at the state capitol in Charleston, WV on April 22nd -24th. A total of thirty six students representing the James Monroe Youth Leadership Association were in attendance. Nine students participated in the judicial program, twenty-two students were legislatures, one student was a member of the press, one student was a lobbyist, and four students were officers. Opening ceremony included guest speaker Justice Allen Loughry II, and representatives from the office of Natalie Tennant, Secretary of State, and Governor Tomblin. As soon as the ceremony commended the students went straight to work. The judicial presented their briefs to a panel of their peers, and the legislators begin working in committees debating bills. Bills and Briefs are composed, submitted, and rated before the program begins. Hannah Pence and Ethan McKlarney authored a bill for child care for working low income families in West Virginia. The Bill passed through committee, the House, but did not receive the governor’s signature. Three James Monroe students were elected to hold elected positions for the 2017 program. Matthew Meadows will serve as the Youth Governor, Samuel Womack as the Youth President of the Senate, and Austin Toney as the Chaplain of the House. Antonella Blanco was chosen to serve on the Governor’s Cabinet and Samantha Frazier was chosen to serve as an Associate Justice; both will serve in those positions at next year’s program. Whitney Hunt and Brady Davis were chosen as committee chairs for next year’s legislative committees. Youth in Government is a great program because it builds strong leaders and also shows the West Virginia’s youth a first-hand look at state government. In an interview with Natalie Tennant she said, “They (the students) will leave here inspired and empowered to be leaders among their peer.” Not only does it secure a strong future form our country, but it allows kids from all around the state to meet and build strong bonds they will keep for the rest of their lives. As the Youth in Government program continues it appears that Monroe County will be well represented by a group of very inspiring you adults. Comments are closed.
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