Waitsburg students in Olympia

WAITSBURG - Five Waitsburg High School students and two advisors attended the annual Youth and Government session from May 7 through May 10 at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia. Around seventeen delegations with 350 students from across the state participated in the YMCA program.

The Youth and Government is a national YMCA program that allows U.S. students to learn about government policymaking firsthand. This unique program allows thousands of teens nationwide in state-organized, model-government programs. Participants are immersed in experiential civic engagement and learn to debate issues that affect citizens in their state and propose legislation. The program culminates with teens serving as delegates at their state conference, debating bills on the floor of the legislature.

During the mock legislature in Olympia, students fill leadership roles. Sophomore Isaac Mahre was a lobbyist and did a lot of research on different bills. Freshman Chloe McCaw was in the 8th and 9th grade house and helped at the rostrum. Program advisor Heather Baker said McCaw was awesome, keeping time and notes, and tracking bills.

Lucas VanHoose debated a bill regulating the access to internet porn by minors. Will Ahler and Graycen Teal co-authored a bill to ban recreational use of Nitrous Oxide due to abuse.

"Both bills did not pass, which we were surprised about," said Baker. "There were lively debates on each bill."

Baker said there may have been a technicality that caused the bills to fail.

"Youth and Government was a fun and insightful experience," said Ahler.  "I got the opportunity to debate bills on the Representative House's floor at the Capitol, and we got to eat at our favorite restaurant, Old School Pizza, again."

"The Youth and Government trip was a lot of fun. Everyone in our group was super into it, and we all had bills we were excited to pass. The days were pretty long but they flew by because we were always doing something interesting. I would definitely recommend Youth and Government if you are into history, politics, or just want to learn how the government works in a fun way, said VanHoose."

Ahler and VanHoose were presented with senior cords for graduation at the end of the session.

"Youth and Government is such an awesome experience for all students who go, and I am very thankful this is available for our kids. Big shout out to Walla Walla YMCA for their generous support," said Baker. "I would love to see this program grow across our state and the country. YAG is a great way to bring up our next generation of civic-minded citizens. It's worth the time and energy. The students learn more than they know and gain many life experiences," she said.

"It was great. The kids had a great time. They really got to see how our government runs. They ran some great bills and learned a lot. They made some great memories with each other and with other delegations and groups, and I could not be prouder," said advisor and Waitsburg High School teacher, Westin Wallace.